Activists Ask Baker to Investigate Hodgson and Jail

BOSTON — A group representing Advocates from Bristol County for Correctional Justice (BCCJ) traveled to the Massachusetts State House in Boston Thursday.  They went to demand Governor Charlie Baker launch an investigation into allegations of abuse at the Bristol County House of Corrections and Sheriff Thomas Hodgson.

The BCCJ had written a letter to the governor weeks ago asking for him to look into the alleged abuse of prisoners, but received no response.  They accuse Baker of turning a blind eye into the allegations of prisoner abuse and inhumane conditions at the jail.

One of the volunteers with BCCJ who traveled to the State House, told WBSM News of their specific concerns.  Betty Ussach of New Bedford said "There has been a high incidence of suicide, prisoners are not receiving mental treatment of mental therapy, and some have not been given their medications when they get there."

Ussich also said that BCCJ is concerned with how often Sheriff Hodgson is out of town promoting other causes, such as President Trump's proposed border wall.

She did confirm that a delegation for the group who travelled to Boston on Thursday was able to meet with a representative of the governor. They requested that he ask Baker to launch an investigation into the Bristol County House of Corrections as will as Sheriff Hidgson.