CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — A five-year lawsuit over conditions at Charleston County’s juvenile detention center has resulted in a federal consent decree that attorneys say could reshape juvenile justice practices.
This suit spanned three administrations and named James Alton Cannon Jr. in his official capacity as Charleston County sheriff; Mitch Lucas in his official capacity as assistant Charleston County sheriff; Willis Beatty in his official capacity as chief deputy of the Charleston County sheriff’s office; and the Charleston County School District.
The legal agreement addresses allegations that children were treated unconstitutionally, dating back to the old juvenile detention center, which was built in 1967…