Sean’s Law: New Ohio Jail Reform Law Named In Honor Of R&B Singer Sean Levert, Who Died In Custody
Twelve years after the death of R&B singer and Cleveland native Sean Levert, Ohio’s jail system are making some major changes, and on Tuesday a new legislation was announced.
State Senator Nickie J. Antonio says Sean’s Law will require Ohio’s jail system to have protocols in place when admitting inmates who are at risk of withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, and/or other prescription benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Ativan and Valium.
Sean died in Cuyahoga County Jail in 2008, almost a year after his brother R&B singer Gerald Levert passed away.
Sean’s family says were complications caused by being denied his prescribed medication, Xanax.
His wife and two sons attended a news conference at the state Capitol announcing the new legislation.
via FOX 8 in Cleveland:
State Senator Antonio said there will also be penalties in place for Ohio jails who are non-compliant: violators could face suspension and fines.
Antonio said a whistle-blower system will also be established for jail employees to report any wrong-doing without facing consequences.
Since May 2019 through December of 2019 — within Ohio’s jail system — there were 21 deaths, 16 suicides, two suicide attempts and 35 escapes of inmates struggling with some form of drug withdrawals or abuse.
Sean’s mother, Martha Levert, passed away one month prior to these changes taking place.
Although Sean and many others have lost their lives in the jail system, it’s has to bring peace to families of those incarcerated in Ohio that Sean’s Law is in effect.
