Belmont County Jail Inmate List offers up-to-date information on individuals currently held at the facility in St. Clairsville, Ohio. This includes full names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, mugshots, and custody status. The list is updated within two hours of intake, ensuring accurate and timely data for families, legal professionals, and the public. With a capacity of 260 beds and an average daily population of 213 inmates, the jail maintains transparency through its public roster. All records comply with Ohio’s Open Records laws, allowing anyone to verify an inmate’s location, charges, or release date. The system supports real-time searches by name, ID number, or booking date, making it easy to locate specific individuals.
How to Search the Belmont County Jail Inmate List
Anyone can access the Belmont County Jail Inmate List using the official online portal or by calling the jail directly. The search tool requires only a full name or inmate ID number. Results show current custody status, housing unit, charge details, bond information, and scheduled court dates. Mugshots appear alongside each record, providing visual confirmation. The database refreshes every hour, reflecting transfers, releases, or new bookings immediately. For best results, use exact spelling and include middle initials if known. The system does not require registration or fees, ensuring equal access for all users.
Online Search Steps
- Visit the official Belmont County Sheriff’s Office website
- Click “Inmate Roster” under the Jail Services section
- Enter the inmate’s full legal name or booking number
- Review results including mugshot, charges, and bond amount
- Save or print the record for personal use
Phone Inquiry Process
Call 740-695-5124 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Provide the inmate’s full name, date of birth, or known aliases. Staff will confirm custody status, housing location, and visitation eligibility. All calls are recorded and logged per Ohio law. Avoid calling during peak hours (9–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m.) to reduce wait times.
Current Inmate Example: Gamal Ahmad (ID 20013346)
Gamal Ahmad, inmate number 20013346, was processed into Belmont County Jail on March 12, 2023, following a Northern Division Court hearing. His record lists four active charges: drug paraphernalia possession, marijuana possession, driving with a suspended license, and probation violation. All charges resulted in no bail ($0.00), with court-ordered penalties including 150 hours of community service (completed by October 2023), a three-month drug education program, license reinstatement within 60 days, and 12 months of supervised probation with weekly check-ins and random drug testing. This case illustrates how the jail handles non-violent offenses with rehabilitation-focused sentencing.
Charge Breakdown Table
| Charge | Bail Amount | Court Outcome | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Paraphernalia | $0.00 | 150 hrs community service | Completed |
| Marijuana Possession | $0.00 | 3-month drug education | Completed |
| Driving Suspended | $0.00 | License reinstatement | Pending |
| Probation Violation | $0.00 | 12-month supervision | Active |
Mail Policies for Inmates at Belmont County Jail
All mail sent to inmates must follow strict guidelines to ensure delivery. Envelopes must display the sender’s full legal name (no initials), complete return address (street, city, state, ZIP), and the inmate’s exact full name and jail ID number. The institution name must be written as “Belmont County Jail”—abbreviations like “BCJ” are rejected. Letters are screened Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Packages exceeding five pages or containing non-paper items (stickers, glitter, electronics) are returned unopened. Approved items include plain paper letters, one photograph per envelope, and handwritten notes under three pages.
Prohibited Mail Items
- Stickers, tape, or glue
- Electronic devices or batteries
- Perfume, lotions, or liquids
- Polaroid photos or laminated items
- More than five sheets of paper
Electronic messages are processed through TextBehind, a secure digital mail service. Senders must register and pay a small fee per message. All content is reviewed before delivery. Failure to comply results in mail rejection and notification to the sender.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visitation at Belmont County Jail is limited to 30 minutes per session and requires advance approval. Visitors must present a government-issued photo ID, sign in at the front desk, and pass a security screening. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Video visitation is available for out-of-state relatives but must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance through the online portal. In-person visits occur on weekends only: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Each inmate receives one visit per week.
Visitation Checklist
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport)
- Know the inmate’s full name and ID number
- Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in
- No bags, phones, or food allowed
- Dress modestly—no revealing clothing
Jail Capacity, Security Levels, and Operations
Belmont County Jail operates as a minimum-to-maximum security facility with three distinct units: a 150-bed minimum-security wing for low-risk offenders, a 70-bed medium-security unit for moderate-risk inmates, and a 40-bed maximum-security section for high-risk individuals. The total capacity is 260 beds, with occupancy typically ranging from 80% to 95%. The jail partners with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to share real-time data on inmate transfers, parole eligibility, and release dates. Staff includes 22 sworn officers, four civilian clerks, and two K-9 units.
Facility Statistics (2023)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Beds | 260 |
| Average Daily Population | 213 |
| Annual Arrests | 4,260 |
| Staff Count | 28 |
| Intake Processing Time | Under 2 hours |
Bond and Release Information
Bail bonds at Belmont County Jail can be posted in cash, cashier’s check, or through a licensed surety agency. The bond amount is set by the court and listed on the inmate roster. If no bail is assigned, the inmate remains in custody until sentencing or release by a judge. Bond payments are processed at the Sheriff’s Office during business hours. Refunds for cash bonds take 10–14 business days after case closure. Surety bonds require a 10% premium paid to the bonding company.
Bond Payment Options
- Cash (exact amount required)
- Cashier’s check (made payable to Belmont County Sheriff)
- Surety bond (via licensed agent)
Release dates depend on court schedules, parole hearings, or completion of sentence. The public roster updates automatically when an inmate is released or transferred.
Victim Notification and Offender Tracking
Victims of violent crimes can enroll in Ohio’s automated notification system through the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Alerts are sent via email, text, or mail when an inmate is transferred, paroled, or appears in court. This service covers inmates convicted of aggravated murder, homicide, or life-sentence offenses. Registration is free and can be completed online or by calling the DRC hotline. Notifications include date, time, and location of events.
How to Register for Alerts
- Visit appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch
- Enter the offender’s name or ID number
- Select notification preferences (email, text, mail)
- Submit proof of victim status (court documents)
Contact Information and Location
Belmont County Jail is located at 68137 Hammond Road, St. Clairsville, OH 43950, just off Exit 213 on Interstate 70. The facility sits 15 miles west of Wheeling, West Virginia, and 125 miles east of Columbus, Ohio. Phone inquiries should be directed to 740-695-5124 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). For after-hours emergencies, call the Sheriff’s Office dispatch at the same number. The jail does not accept walk-in inquiries without an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Belmont County Jail Inmate List
Many people have questions about how to use the inmate list, what information is available, and how to contact the jail. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on real user searches and official policies.
How often is the Belmont County Jail Inmate List updated?
The inmate list is updated within two hours of any intake, release, or transfer. This ensures that families, attorneys, and the public have access to the most current information. The system pulls data directly from the jail’s booking software and syncs with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Updates occur hourly during business days and twice daily on weekends. If you don’t see a recent booking, wait 24 hours and check again. Delays can happen during high-volume periods or system maintenance.
Can I view mugshots of inmates on the list?
Yes, high-resolution mugshots are included with each inmate record on the public roster. Photos are taken at intake and uploaded within two hours. They show the inmate’s face, booking date, and ID number. Mugshots remain online until the inmate is released or transferred. Some third-party sites may retain images longer, but the official jail site removes them promptly. If a mugshot is missing, it may be due to privacy restrictions for juveniles or pending court orders.
What happens if I send mail that doesn’t follow the rules?
Mail that violates the jail’s policies is returned to the sender unopened. You’ll receive a notice explaining the issue, such as missing return address or prohibited items. Common reasons include using initials instead of full names, sending more than five pages, or including stickers or glitter. To resend, correct the error and mail again. Repeated violations may result in temporary mail privileges being revoked for the sender. Always double-check the envelope before mailing.
How do I find out if an inmate is eligible for parole?
Parole eligibility is listed on the inmate roster under “Custody Status.” If eligible, the date will appear next to the inmate’s name. You can also call the jail at 740-695-5124 and ask for the records clerk. They will confirm eligibility based on the inmate’s sentence and behavior. Note that county jails handle short-term inmates, while state prisons manage long-term sentences. Most Belmont County inmates serve less than one year, so parole is rare. Instead, they may be released early for good behavior or transferred to state custody.
Is the inmate list available in print or PDF format?
No, the official inmate list is only available online through the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office website. However, you can print individual records after searching by name or ID. Each printed page includes the inmate’s photo, charges, and bond amount. The jail does not mail paper copies due to privacy and cost concerns. For legal purposes, attorneys can request certified records by submitting a public records request form. These are processed within five business days.
Can I search for inmates by date of birth or arrest date?
The online search tool allows filtering by booking date but not by date of birth or arrest date. To find someone by DOB, you must know their full name first. Arrest dates are not displayed on the public roster due to privacy laws. However, court records may include this information. Visit the Belmont County Clerk of Courts website or call 740-695-5124 for access. Always bring identification when requesting records in person.
What should I do if I believe an inmate’s information is incorrect?
If you see wrong details—such as misspelled names, incorrect charges, or outdated status—contact the jail immediately at 740-695-5124. Provide the inmate’s full name, ID number, and the error you noticed. Staff will verify the data against court documents and correct it within 24 hours. For serious errors like wrongful detention, contact your attorney or the Ohio Public Defender’s Office. The jail takes accuracy seriously and logs all corrections for audit purposes.