Federal inmates arrive at Jail North in Charlotte: What to know

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The first federal inmates arrived at Jail North in Mecklenburg County this week, officials said.

Federal inmates began arriving on Monday, Nov. 2, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

From Nov. 2-6, 20 inmates were brought in. The sheriff’s office said it aims to bring in 66 total federal detainees.

“This is an important milestone for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Garry McFadden said in the release. “We appreciate the trust and cooperation of the United States Marshals Service and the hard work of everyone involved in making this possible. Our staff remains committed to operating a safe, secure and professionally managed detention facility.”

Officials announced federal inmates would be brought to Jail North during an Oct. 16 news conference.

U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said during the news conference that the relocation of inmates to Charlotte would bring much-needed federal tax money back to Mecklenburg County, and would speed up criminal cases.

“This is good for the taxpayer,” Ferguson said. “Not only are we bringing money from other states here to Mecklenburg County to employ that money, to employ people -- but we’ll be saving money on transportation, U.S. Marshals going back and forth, saving money on opposing counsel going back and forth.”

Jail North has just over 700 beds, with 651 for adults.

Hundreds of detainees previously held at the central jail in Uptown Charlotte have also been moved to Jail North.

Much more coverage of Jail North and its reopening can be found in the links below.

Previous Jail North coverage:

• Federal inmates to return to Mecklenburg County
• 200+ inmates moved to reopened jail in Mecklenburg County: What to know
• See inside: Jail North prepares to reopen in Charlotte as Uptown jail overflows
• Mecklenburg County Commissioners approve $3.2M to reopen Jail North amid severe overcrowding
• Jail North inmate transfer delayed until Mecklenburg County sheriff briefs commissioners
• Overcrowding, drugs and health crisis behind Mecklenburg County jail deaths, sheriff says
• Mecklenburg County to reopen juvenile detention center that closed in 2022
• Mecklenburg County Detention Center North expected to reopen in August: What we know
• Inmates report sleeping on floor at Mecklenburg Detention Center; sheriff disputes claims
• Mecklenburg County sheriff commits to reopening juvenile jail: What we know
• Officials recommend reopening juvenile detention center in Mecklenburg County