Politics & Government

Middlesex Sheriff, Legislators Seeking New Jail Location in South Middlesex County

Editor's Note: The following statement was issued Friday by the office of Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian:

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, State Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly (D–Arlington) and State Representative Marc T. Lombardo (R–Billerica) today announced their support for legislation seeking to establish a special commission to identify potential sites for a permanent jail in southern Middlesex County. 

Sheriff Koutoujian testified in favor of the bill – S1477 – Wednesday morning before the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The hearing was co-chaired by Senator Donnelly, who worked with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office to file the legislation in January. 

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“I am committed to working with stakeholders at all levels of government and throughout the criminal justice system to make sure a new jail – or justice center – is constructed in a location that makes the most logistical sense,” Koutoujian said. “It is in the best interest of public safety for our officers, the inmates in our custody and the citizens of Middlesex County that the jail be in close proximity to 12 of 14 courts we serve.” 

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is preparing to leave the current jail facility in Cambridge next year as the Commonwealth closes and sells the otherwise vacant Edward J. Sullivan Courthouse. Jail operations will be moved to the Middlesex House of Correction in Billerica until a new Middlesex Jail is constructed. 

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“I was happy to file this legislation. The closing of the Middlesex jail is placing a significant strain on the town of Billerica and on the regional correction facility,” said Sen. Donnelly. “This establishment of the commission will be a big step in relieving this strain and finding a permanent solution to this problem.” 2 

“I offer my full support of S1477,” said Rep. Lombardo. “It is imperative that a new location for the Middlesex Jail is found quickly and without delay. I want to make sure that housing of inmates in Billerica is truly temporary and by finding a new location in Middlesex County for the jail, the state can hold true to that promise to the Town of Billerica.” 

“I want to thank both Sen. Donnelly and Rep. Lombardo for their assistance,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “With their support, I believe the Legislature will see the importance of getting this commission in place in a timely fashion.” 


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