A lawsuit has emerged in Fulton County Superior Court on May 30, involving the Fulton County Sheriff, Patrick Labat, and the Alpharetta-based software company, Talitrix. The company, previously a contributor to Labat's campaign, is suing for a breach of contract over an unpaid $865,000 bill for technology that was supposed to enhance jail conditions, reportedly after prior concerns regarding the sheriff's alleged ties with the firm came to light.

According to a report by WABE, Talitrix was contracted to install health tracking wristbands at the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta in 2021. However, the company delivered approximately 15 wristbands over a span of six months, against the 1,000 it had promised. Further scrutiny of Labat's dealings was fueled following a meeting in October where concerns over a non-competitive bid process and additional contracts for ankle monitors were raised by then-Fulton County Vice Chair Bob Ellis.

Last year, the county commissioners decided to retract $2.1 million in emergency funds meant to improve jail infrastructure and conditions, amidst a spike in in-custody deaths and suspicions over contributions to Labat's 2020 election campaign from those associated with Talitrix. Sheriff Labat has consistently denied any allegations of misconduct. Despite the denial, Chair Robb Pitts took steps to withdraw the funding and expressed his disapproval, stating, "This is probably one of the worst contracts in my many years of public service that I’ve had anything to do with," as reported by WABE. 

While the lawsuit pressures the sheriff for the alleged unpaid bill, who was served having 30 days to respond, the consequences of the technology already implemented remain uncertain. Talitrix purportedly canceled the contract as a result of the nonpayment. As recent as Tuesday, there appeared to be no response filed by Sheriff Labat, according to online court records. The suit adds yet another layer to what has become a contentious debate over the sheriff's office handling of funds and contracts.