The family of a man found dead in the Dawson County Jail earlier this month has issued a statement regarding the man's death.
AJ Richman, the lawyer for Jonathan Sanford's family, released the statement Thursday afternoon. It stated that Richman's law firm has begun their own investigation into what went on at the Dawson County Sheriff's Office when the 18 year old died, and whether jail personnel failures contributed to Sanford's death.
Richman also said in the press release that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting a parallel investigation as well, as the law requires.
“Georgia’s Sheriffs are responsible for every aspect of a detainee’s health and welfare,” said Richman. “Our local government needs to be transparent, and we are calling upon the Sheriff to share with us how Jonathan died in their custody.”
Richman said in the 18 days since Sanford died, his parents have not been told what caused their son's death, which prompted their own investigation.
