A month after an inmate’s act of vandalism flooded the Zanesville City Jail, the facility is still in need of repair as officials continue to negotiate with the City’s insurance provider. 

It’s estimated that over $130,000 worth of damage was done in electronics alone, including cameras, computers and communication equipment.

The City has already been billed more than $6,000 for the initial cleanup done the night of the incident on June 5 after inmate Jaden Hanning allegedly ripped off a sprinkler head and caused significant flooding inside the jail.

According to Public Safety Director Keane Toney, even more costs could accumulate once damage to the ceilings and floors is accounted. 

“The damage is done, but we’re waiting for additional damage,” said Toney.

Toney explained that while damage to the flooring is not apparent, it will become visible over time as tiles will likely begin to pop up and pose a safety risk to corrections officers and inmates.

“We are stressing [to the insurance company] that we cannot afford to wait,” said Toney. 

Captain Chris Phipps of the Zanesville Police Department said the insurance company may not truly understand the urgency needed to repair the jail since it is a unique situation. 

“They’re used to dealing with houses,” said Phipps. “If your house isn’t available to live in, then you live somewhere else. That’s not the way jails work.”

Even though non-violent inmates were released the night of the flooding so initial repairs could be made, some inmates remained incarcerated, and more were added as the facility eventually regained its ability to fully operate. 

Jail Administrator Chad Smith said several inmates helped with the cleanup to prevent further damage. 

“A lot of inmates are just people that made mistakes,” added Phipps. “They’re not really bad people. They want to do the right thing.”

Also credited for their quick response were the corrections officers, who Toney said worked feverishly to minimize damage and maximize safety, as well as the firefighters from the Zanesville Fire Department.

“I can honestly say, if not for the fast actions of the corrections officers and Zanesville Fire Department, the damage total would have been a lot more than what it was … what it’s going to be,” said Toney. 

Toney also gave credit to the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office for working with the city jail as some inmates had to be transferred to the county facility. 

While a final figure cannot be estimated at this point, Toney said the inmate charged in the incident does not have the financial means to pay for the damages he’s alleged to have caused. 

Hanning is being housed in the county jail as he awaits felony prosecution.