Henrietta, Mo. (January 5, 2025) — On his first day as Ray County Sheriff, Gary Blackwell took decisive action by closing the Ray County Jail, citing safety and security concerns for both inmates and staff. The closure, effective January 1, 2025, came after Blackwell’s tour of the facility with Ray County Commissioners revealed severe deficiencies.
“I toured the jail with the Ray County Commissioners,” Sheriff Gary Blackwell said. “They were pretty shocked. I determined at that point it was best that we close the jail, at least temporarily, to evaluate the conditions and possibilities of improvement.”
Inmates have been transferred to facilities in Harrison and Lafayette counties, as well as the Daviess-Dekalb Regional Jail. Meanwhile, the jail’s 24-hour hold facility remains operational, staffed by current employees who will also handle administrative tasks. Sheriff Blackwell reassured the community that no jail staff would lose their jobs during this period.
Kansas City’s KSHB Channel 41 met with Sheriff Blackwell to tour the Ray County Jail. You can read their article here.
The jail has long faced challenges, including freezing water lines, poor lighting, electrical issues, and damage from escape attempts. These deficiencies, combined with unsanitary plumbing, prompted the closure. Sheriff Blackwell has hired a detention facility consultant to conduct a thorough audit of the jail and recommend necessary improvements.
“My job is the safety and security of the inmates and staff, and the current conditions of the jail present a major liability for the County,” Sheriff Blackwell said. “We will take the steps necessary to remedy the deficiencies.”
Community members and media will have the opportunity to tour the jail and understand its condition in the coming weeks. Loved ones of inmates can call the sheriff’s office at (816) 290-5323 to find out where inmates have been relocated.
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