Perry County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Perry County in 2026
PerryRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to inmate records in Perry County, Ohio. Members of the public may access records that include booking information, custody status, charges, bond amounts, and facility location. The following record categories are available through official sources:
- Current inmate rosters
- Booking and arrest records
- Charge and case information
- Bond and bail records
- State prison and federal custody records
Records can be searched through official government resources, the county clerk's office, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Search Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Perry County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster accessible to the public. Members of the public may access the roster by visiting the Perry County Sheriff's Office official website and navigating to the inmate search section. To conduct a search, users select a search type — by name, booking number, or date — enter the relevant criteria, and review the results displayed. Selecting an individual record provides additional detail.
Information displayed in search results includes:
- Full legal name and booking photograph
- Current charges and case numbers
- Bond type and amount
- Facility location and housing status
- Booking date and expected release date (when available)
The roster is updated on a regular basis; recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the system. At present, no dedicated mobile application is available for the Perry County inmate search.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals who have been transferred from county custody to a state correctional facility, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search provides a statewide database of incarcerated individuals. This resource covers individuals currently serving time in an Ohio state prison, those under department supervision, and judicially released offenders.
To search, users enter the individual's last name, first name, or offender number into the search fields. Results include the offender's current facility, sentence information, projected release date, and supervision status. County jail records and state prison records are maintained separately; individuals sentenced to more than one year are transferred to state custody, a process that typically occurs within several weeks of sentencing.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
When an individual is held on federal charges, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides the appropriate search tool. This resource is used when a person has been charged with a federal offense and is held in a federal detention facility rather than a county or state institution. The locator provides the individual's current facility, projected release date, and register number.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may contact the Perry County Sheriff's Office directly at (740) 342-1022 to request inmate information. Staff can provide basic custody status, charges, and bond information. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available. The office is staffed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
In-Person Inquiry:
Individuals may appear in person at the Perry County Sheriff's Office to request inmate information. Government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, charges, and bond information.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Perry County Sheriff's Office at the address listed below. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing times vary based on request volume.
Perry County Sheriff's Office
212 South Main Street
New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-1022
Perry County Sheriff's Office
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on official documents
- Try name variations, including nicknames and maiden names
- Include the date of birth to narrow results
- Search by booking number if available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in county records
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison; check the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
- The individual may be in federal custody; check the Federal Bureau of Prisons
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another county or jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the jail directly at (740) 342-1022 for assistance
Are Inmate Records Public in Perry County?
Inmate records in Perry County are subject to Ohio's public records law, which establishes a broad presumption of public access to government-held information. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, all public records are open to inspection by any person unless a specific exception applies. As the Ohio Supreme Court has stated, "The Public Records Act reflects the General Assembly's intent to expose government activity to public scrutiny." Inmate records maintained by the Sheriff's Office and the county jail are considered public records under this framework.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information and booking date
- Charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (when available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
Inmate records serve several important public functions. Government transparency requires that the public have access to information about individuals held in government custody. Public safety considerations support the availability of custody and charge information. Families and legal representatives rely on inmate records to locate individuals and coordinate legal proceedings. The bail bond industry depends on timely access to booking and bond information to fulfill its professional obligations.
Privacy Considerations:
Ohio law balances the public's right to access government records with protections for sensitive personal information. Medical and mental health records are protected under both state and federal law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The release of certain information may affect an individual's employment prospects and family relationships; however, under current law, the presumption favors disclosure for records related to custody and charges.
What Is Inmate Records in Perry County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held in detention. In Perry County, these records are created at the point of booking and updated throughout an individual's period of custody. The primary custodian of county jail inmate records is the Perry County Sheriff's Office, which operates the county detention facility.
Inmate records encompass several distinct categories. Booking records are created at the time of arrest and include personal identification information, charges, and bond details. Custody records document an individual's ongoing status within the facility, including housing assignments and classification. Incarceration history refers to the cumulative record of an individual's prior bookings and periods of custody. Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody.
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant. The Perry County Jail houses pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody. Individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to more than one year are transferred to the custody of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, where separate records are maintained. Individuals convicted of federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which maintains its own independent record system.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Perry County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (may be limited for security reasons)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (if available)
- Actual release date (after release)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers and court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges and sentence length
- Sentence start date and projected release date
- Parole eligibility date (if applicable)
- Good time credits
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings in Perry County
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments and program participation (in some cases)
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Account balances and commissary records
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Perry County Prison System
The Perry County correctional system is operated under the authority of the Perry County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff serves as the chief law enforcement officer of the county and is responsible for the administration of the county jail. At present, the Perry County Sheriff is Eddie Lust.
The Perry County Jail serves as the primary detention facility for the county, housing pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences, and individuals awaiting transfer to state custody. The facility operates under the oversight of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, which conducts periodic inspections of county jails pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 341.19.
Inmate Services:
The Perry County Jail provides the following services to individuals in custody:
- Medical care and health screenings
- Mental health services and referrals
- Substance abuse program access
- Religious services and chaplaincy
- Library and reading materials
- Recreation time
Legal Services:
Individuals in custody have access to legal resources, including coordination with the Perry County Public Defender's Office and attorney visitation. Law library access is provided in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Reentry Programs:
The facility coordinates pre-release planning to assist individuals transitioning back into the community, including referrals to substance abuse treatment and community support services.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction conducts inspections of county jails and maintains oversight authority. Grievance procedures are available to individuals in custody in accordance with state standards.
Perry County Sheriff's Office
212 South Main Street
New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-1022
Perry County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities in Perry County
Perry County Jail
Perry County Jail
212 South Main Street
New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-1022
Perry County Sheriff's Office
The Perry County Jail is the primary detention facility serving Perry County, Ohio. The facility is operated by the Perry County Sheriff's Office and houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions. The facility operates at a security level appropriate for the general county jail population.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
Perry County operates alternative custody programs for eligible individuals, including home detention with electronic monitoring. Eligibility is determined by the court based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and community ties. Individuals participating in these programs remain under the supervision of the Sheriff's Office.
Work Release
Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving their sentence. Eligibility is subject to court approval and Sheriff's Office review.
State Prison Facilities
The Southeastern Correctional Institution, a state facility operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, is located in Lancaster, Fairfield County, and serves as a receiving facility for individuals transferred from Perry County. Individuals convicted of felonies in Perry County and sentenced to state prison are transferred to state custody and housed in facilities designated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. These facilities are distinct from the county jail and are governed by state correctional policy.
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
770 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43222
Phone: (614) 752-1159
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with federal offenses in Perry County are held in federal detention facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The nearest federal facility serving the Southern District of Ohio is the Corrections Corporation of America facility or a designated federal detention center. Federal custody is entirely separate from county and state custody and is governed by federal law.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
320 First Street NW
Washington, DC 20534
Phone: (202) 307-3198
Federal Bureau of Prisons
How To Find an Inmate in Perry County for Free?
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Perry County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate roster with no registration required. Members of the public may access current inmate information, including booking details, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated regularly, and no fee is charged for access.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Ohio offender search provided by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is available at no cost to the public. This resource covers individuals currently incarcerated in Ohio state prisons, those under department supervision, and judicially released offenders. Historical information is available for individuals with prior state sentences.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator is a free resource for locating individuals in federal custody. No registration or fee is required to conduct a basic search.
4. Court Records Search
Court records maintained by the Perry County Clerk of Courts may be used to verify custody status and identify upcoming court dates. The Clerk of Courts processes all Common Pleas Court documents, including criminal filings, and records are accessible to the public pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43.
Perry County Clerk of Courts
121 West Brown Street
New Lexington, OH 43764
Phone: (740) 342-1022
Perry County Clerk of Courts
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call the Perry County Sheriff's Office at (740) 342-1022 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Staff can provide current custody status, charges, and bond information during regular business hours.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Perry County Sheriff's Office at 212 South Main Street, New Lexington, Ohio, during business hours to request inmate information. Staff assistance is available, and no fee is charged for basic information inquiries.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no cost:
- Online inmate search and current custody status
- Basic inmate information by phone
- In-person information requests
- Court records access
The following services involve fees:
- Sending money to an inmate (processing fees apply through the designated vendor)
- Video visitation (fees charged by the service provider)
- Phone calls from inmates (fees charged by the telecommunications vendor)
- Commissary orders
- Certified copies of booking records
- Detailed background check reports
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to use only official government websites when searching for inmate information. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. The official Perry County Sheriff's Office website and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction offender search are the authoritative free resources. Members of the public should verify that any website used displays a .gov domain before submitting personal information or payment.
Lookup Inmate Records in Perry County
- Ohio offender search — Find data on incarcerated individuals currently serving time in an Ohio prison, under department supervision, or judicially released.
- Perry County Clerk of Courts — Access Common Pleas Court documents including criminal filings, protection orders, and case records maintained by the Perry County Clerk of Courts.