News 12 at 6 o'clock, February 2, 2010

AUGUSTA---The Richmond County Law Enforcement Center is falling apart, from leaks to concerns about mold and possible contaminated water. Today the sheriff took his case to the city.

There have been problems with the LEC for years. Back in 2005, city administrator Fred Russell said it would cost $25 million to fix the mold, leaks, and flooding problems.

Then, in September of 2007, the sheriff talked with the city about moving the Law Enforcement Center. Investigators told us the ceiling had flooded and collapsed six or seven times.

This week there was another roof collapse, with water soaking employees and hundreds of personnel files. As the sheriff's department fights increasing gang activity, the building that houses inmates is in shambles.

The city administrator promises to have a recommendation on moving law enforcement in two weeks. That time can't come soon enough for some.

Debbie Reid will never forget the day a ceiling of water came crashing down on her at work.

"It was just like a waterfall all over my head all the way down," said Reid. "I feel like we should have never moved in the building. It should have never been built."

This isn't the first time a collapsed roof brought work to a standstill.

"This is probably the biggest one we've had where one of us actually was soaked."

The water soaked not only Reid, but 800 personnel files. To add insult to injury, the water is being tested for contamination. In the meantime, the workers' desks have been moved out of the area.

"What I want is, without a doubt, is to get those folks out of there," said Sheriff Ronnie Strength. "We do not need to be there."

"We were definitely hoping to be out long before now, but it is easier sad than done," Sheriff Strength continued.

"And we're going to move it," said Russell. "So that's what we're going to do."

"So you're going to get those folks out of there?" we asked.

"Yes."

City leaders' promises aren't much comfort as Reid reenters a mountain of paperwork and faces even more critical concerns: wet, smelly corridors, breeding grounds for mold.

"A lot of people are getting sick," she said.

Leaders suspect some sort of copper contamination in the water. They have told workers not to drink the building's water until they can determine the threat.

There are at least two possible places to move the LEC. One of the top suggestions is the South Gate location in south Augusta.