Cook Co. sheriff calls for jail reform

CHICAGO (WLS) -- People charged with minor offenses in Cook County often face a long wait for justice, costing tax payers outrageous amounts of money.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart says one man spent 114 days in jail for stealing candy bars. The cost to tax payers was more than $16,000.

Dart says he will start working with the state's attorney and public defenders to find ways to fast track some cases.

"This makes absolutely no sense, the outrageous amounts of money that we waste incarcerating the wrong people," Dart said.

Dart plans to introduce legislation in Springfield, giving the county 30 days to process cases of retail theft or trespassing. Otherwise, suspects will be released on recognizance bond or electronic monitoring.