Williamson County inmate work detail removes more than 1,200 pounds of litter

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — More than 1,200 pounds of litter and debris were collected during an inmate work detail along Illinois Route 13 in Williamson County.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office conducted the cleanup Tuesday, Aug. 11, along Route 13 from Division Street in Carterville to Illinois Route 148 near Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois.

The sheriff’s office said participating inmates collected more than 1,200 pounds of litter, trash and debris from the roadway and surrounding areas.

The Inmate Work Detail program uses volunteers who are nonviolent offenders convicted of low-level offenses and approved to participate.

“These individuals are serving their sentences, but they are also being given an opportunity to do something productive and give back to the community,” Sheriff Jeff Diederich said.

The program began in December 2024. Since then, participating inmates have removed more than 15,225 pounds of trash from roadways and public areas across Williamson County.

Work details are supervised by jail administration, with a uniformed deputy assigned to each detail for traffic safety and to prevent contact between participating inmates and the public.

Inmates who participate can receive credit toward community service requirements, according to the sheriff’s office.