Wendell France Jr. will soon take over “operational control” of the struggling Raymond Detention Center.

On October 1, a troubled Hinds County adult detention facility will enter federal receivership, despite the county’s contention that it has met earlier requirements set by a federal judge.

Wendell France Jr. will take over “operational control” of the struggling Raymond Detention Center. Court documents show that France will have executive, management, and leadership powers over the embattled jail.

The facility was designed to hold 600 inmates, but several factors, including overcrowding, lack of supervision, and staffing contributed to seven inmates dying in 2021, court records show.

France is a public safety consultant, former correctional administrator, and 27-year employee of th

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