Bankrupt New Orleans may free prisoners

MSN Money

Hundreds of prisoners in Louisiana may be released or left in limbo awaiting trial because there is no funding for prosecutions. Eddie Jordan, Orleans parish district-attorney, whose parish was among the hardest hit by Katrina, has been told his office will get no fourth-quarter funding from the city for operating expenses.

Mr Jordan's office is already struggling to cope with problems that include damaged and waterlogged evidence, missing records and witnesses, defendants who have jumped bond, and destroyed offices and courthouses.

Source: http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.asp?feed=FT&Date=20051006&ID=5172346