Fulton County releases 65 inmates after court order

ATLANTA - Fulton County has freed 65 inmates being held on minor charges after a federal judge ordered the jail to reduce overcrowding. <br> <br> In addition, three other inmates were released Thursday to other jurisdictions where they are wanted on other charges, Fulton sheriff&#39;s Sgt. Clarence Huber said Friday. <br> <br> U.S. District Judge Marvin Shoob on Wednesday had ordered the county to release inmates awaiting trial who had already been in jail longer than the maximum sentences they faced if convicted. <br> <br> He acted in a lawsuit that contends overcrowding is one of the factors causing poor health care for HIV-positive inmates. <br> <br> As of Thursday, the county&#39;s main jail had a population of 2,252, two more than its capacity. <br> <br> Atlanta lawyer Stephen Bright, who represents the HIV-positive inmates, said Shoob&#39;s order will save the county money and improve medical conditions.