The Region - News from March 21, 1986

U.S. District Judge William P. Gray of Los Angeles said he will not cite Orange County Sheriff Brad Gates for contempt of court, although the inmate population of the Orange County Jail on three days last month exceeded the 1,500 limit that the judge had set. But he warned Gates that if it happens again, “a more severe penalty can be expected.” The judge called Gates into court on his own contempt motion, but withdrew it after deciding that his earlier order could have been clearer. Gates had reduced the population to 1,500 by midnight each of the three days. The sheriff told the judge in chambers that he thought that would be enough to comply with the court order. The judge told Gates that if the population reaches 1,500 again, he will hang a “no vacancy” sign and refuse to accept inmates.