Reports: Teen Inmates Left in Holding Cells Without Food Over Weekend

Two teen inmates were left in holding cells at the Douglas County courthouse without food, lights or toilet paper for more than two days, the sheriff confirmed Tuesday.

According to media reports, the teens were in holding cells from Friday afternoon until they were discovered Monday morning.

WXIA-TV reported that Sheriff Phil Miller said at a Tuesday press conference the teens were transferred from the Marietta Youth Detention Center to the courthouse for Friday hearings. He said deputies assigned to security at the courthouse did not follow procedure and failed to check to make sure the cells were clear by the end of the day.

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WSB-TV reported the teens, 16 and 17, were supposed to be transported back to the youth detention center after neither of the suspects’ parents came to the courthouse, but they weren't retrieved from the holding cells. The TV station reported as many as 10 deputies contributed to the incident, quoting Miller as saying, “I’m embarrassed today as I can possibly be.”

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