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Livingston sheriff complains of jail overcrowding

HOWELL, Mich. (AP) - Sheriff Bob Bezotte says overcrowding has forced the Livingston County Jail to sleep some female inmates on the floor of a small cell with a single toilet.

The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus of Howell reports Saturday that Bezotte sent an email and photo showing the sleeping conditions to county commissioners.

The newspaper says it received the email and photo Friday through the Freedom of Information Act.

Bezotte is pushing for a new jail. He says there are 31 beds for women, but the jail averages more than 60 females on any given day.

County Commissioner Ronald Van Houten calls the photo "propaganda."

The Howell jail holds 254 inmates. The county is looking at expanding the facility. A recent $13.5 million plan would increase capacity to 442 inmates.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.