County Attorney Defends Conditions at Holding Center BUFFALO (wned) - Opening arguments over conditions in the County Holding Center were heard in State Supreme Court in Buffalo this morning. The State Commission of Corrections is suing Erie County over what it claims are chronic rule violations.

County Attorney Cheryl Green argued that the Holding Center is a "lock-up" and the facility is in compliance. Green says other counties across the state operate their facilities the same way as Erie County.

"There's no question that Erie County is being held to a different standard than other jails and lock-ups in the State of New York," said Green.

Commission lawyers argued that the Holding Center only recently began serving double-duty as a lock-up and since it also functions as a jail it must meet the higher standards.

Green told the Court the Commission is playing a game of "gotcha." She says the rigorous jail standards were first applied to the Holding Center just eight months ago.

A decision in the case is expected in 30-60 days.

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