Mecklenburg County Jail North reopens, takes over 200 inmates

CHARLOTTE — More than 200 inmates have been moved to Mecklenburg County Jail North in the first phase of reopening.

The north Charlotte detention facility used to house juvenile inmates.

It houses adults now because of overcrowding in the Uptown.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said he’s still juggling staffing issues at both locations, and this first phase is not enough to make inmates comfortable at the main jail.

“Today is a big celebration on one hand, but still sad on another because we still have over 200 people sleeping on what most consider as the floor,” McFadden said.

McFadden said Jail North should be fully operational by next summer.

McFadden said he hopes to house some juvenile inmates there in a separate wing.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.