DOJ Warns Lexington Police Department Over Unlawful Jailing Practices

The Department of Justice has notified the city of Lexington and its police department that their practice of jailing people for unpaid fines without considering their ability to pay violates the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The DOJ emphasized that incarcerating individuals solely because of their inability to pay fines is unlawful. This violation was identified as part of an ongoing investigation into potential systemic violations of the Constitution and federal law by the city and police department. The DOJ has urged the authorities to ensure that the collection of fines and fees is conducted lawfully.