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Job court program to divert non-violent offenders from jail expands

A pilot program to divert non-violent offenders away from jail and into jobs is getting underway in Genesee County.

The Job Court program connects screened individuals with potential employers. It also provides other services including mental health and addiction treatment, transportation and other assistance.

David Leyton is the Genesee County Prosecutor. He expects this program will also reduce his office’s caseload.

“That’s 150 cases that my over-burdened staff won’t have to handle.” said Leyton.

The four point eight million dollar pilot program started in April in Marquette. Next week…the program will expand to Wayne County.