Belmont County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Belmont County?
Inmate records in Belmont County are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and the Sheriff's Office to document individuals who are or have been held in custody within the county's detention system. These records are distinct from court records: while the Belmont County Court of Common Pleas maintains case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the jail and Sheriff's Office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.
Record creation begins at intake, when a person is booked into the Belmont County Jail. At that point, facility staff generate a booking record capturing identifying information, charges, and custody status. The record is updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notes, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public records maintained by government agencies — including correctional facilities — are subject to disclosure unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The Belmont County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of local inmate records.
Are Inmate Records Public In Belmont County?
Inmate records in Belmont County are generally considered public records under Ohio law. Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, Ohio's Public Records Act, establishes that all records kept by public offices are presumed open to inspection and copying by any member of the public unless a specific exemption applies. This presumption of openness extends to records maintained by county jails and sheriff's offices.
Under current law, the following categories of inmate information are publicly accessible:
- Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in the Belmont County Jail
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and circumstances of intake
- Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the arrest or detention
- Mugshots — photographic images taken at booking
- Bond and bail amounts — financial conditions of release set by the court
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is held
Certain information may be withheld where disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation, endanger a person's safety, or where a court has issued a sealing or expungement order under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32. Members of the public seeking access to inmate records may submit a public records request directly to the Belmont County Jail.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Belmont County
Inmate records maintained by the Belmont County Sheriff's Office contain a comprehensive set of data fields generated at booking and updated throughout the period of custody.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number and FBI number (where applicable)
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Current housing unit or cell assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges (felony or misdemeanor classification)
- Ohio Revised Code section(s) cited
- Case number(s) associated with each charge
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal recognizance, surety, cash)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, unposted, denied)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Presiding court and judge
- Case disposition updates
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length imposed
- Sentence start date
- Credit for time served
- Projected release or parole eligibility date
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, court order)
- Transfer destination if applicable
Belmont County Prison System
Belmont County operates a local jail system designed to house individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of generally up to one year for misdemeanor or lower-level felony offenses. The county jail is distinct from Ohio state prisons, which are administered by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and house individuals convicted of more serious felonies serving longer sentences. Individuals sentenced to more than one year are typically transferred to a state correctional institution following conviction.
The Belmont County Sheriff's Office, currently led by Sheriff James G. Zusack, is responsible for the administration and operation of the county jail pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 341.01, which designates the county sheriff as the keeper of the county jail.
Belmont County Sheriff's Office 68 West Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950 (740) 695-7933 Belmont County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Belmont County
Belmont County's correctional infrastructure consists of the following facility:
Belmont County Jail The Belmont County Jail is the primary detention facility serving the county. It houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and persons held on detainers or holds from other jurisdictions. The facility operates under the authority of the Belmont County Sheriff's Office.
Belmont County Jail 68 West Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950 (740) 695-7933 Belmont County Jail — Inmate Info & Visitation Rules
For individuals who have been convicted of felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding one year, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction operates multiple state correctional institutions throughout Ohio. The Belmont Correctional Institution, a state-operated facility, is also located within the county.
Belmont Correctional Institution 68518 Bannock Road, St. Clairsville, OH 43950 (740) 695-5169 Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction — Offender Search
Who's in Prison In Belmont County
The Belmont County Jail at present houses several categories of individuals:
- Pre-trial detainees — persons arrested and charged with a criminal offense who have not yet been convicted and are awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearing, or trial
- Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of up to 180 days (or up to one year in certain cases)
- Sentenced felons (short-term) — individuals convicted of lower-level felonies serving sentences of up to one year at the county level
- Individuals on holds — persons held on detainers from other counties, states, or federal agencies, including immigration holds
- Probation and parole violators — individuals detained pending a hearing on an alleged violation of supervision conditions
- Civil commitments — persons held pursuant to court order in limited circumstances
Individuals serving longer felony sentences are housed at state correctional institutions operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Belmont County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Belmont County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
Online Search:
- Visit the Belmont County Sheriff's Office website to access any available online inmate roster or lookup tool.
- For individuals transferred to a state facility, use the Ohio DRC Offender Search portal maintained by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Users may search by name, offender number, or other identifiers.
In-Person Request:
- Members of the public may visit the Belmont County Sheriff's Office at 68 West Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) to submit a public records request.
- Requestors should provide the full name of the individual and, if known, the date of birth or booking date to facilitate the search.
Telephone Inquiry:
- The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (740) 695-7933 for general inmate status inquiries.
Written Public Records Request:
- Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, any person may submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office. Requests do not require the requestor to state a reason or provide personal identification.
How To Find an Inmate in Belmont County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Belmont County at no cost is possible through the following official resources:
- Belmont County Sheriff's Office Website — The Belmont County Sheriff's Office provides public access to current inmate information at no charge. Members of the public may visit the website or contact the office directly by telephone at (740) 695-7933.
- Ohio DRC Offender Search — The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search tool allows free searches for individuals currently incarcerated in Ohio state prisons. The tool is accessible 24 hours a day and requires no registration.
- In-Person Inquiry — Members of the public may appear in person at the Belmont County Jail, 68 West Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950, during business hours to request inmate status information at no cost.
- Telephone Inquiry — A free status inquiry may be made by calling the Sheriff's Office at (740) 695-7933 during regular business hours.
How To Visit an Inmate In Belmont County
Visitation at the Belmont County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office pursuant to Ohio law. All visitors must comply with the following requirements.
Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list. Visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Visits may be denied if the visitor is not on the approved list or fails to comply with facility rules.
Visit Schedule Visitation schedules are subject to change at the discretion of facility administration. Members of the public should contact the Belmont County Jail directly at (740) 695-7933 or visit the official website to confirm current visitation days and times.
What to Bring
- Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring
- Weapons, contraband, or controlled substances
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
- Food, beverages, or packages not authorized by facility staff
Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or contains offensive imagery may result in denial of entry.
Visit Types The Belmont County Jail may offer in-person contact or non-contact visits, as well as video visitation, depending on the inmate's classification and facility availability.
Visit Restrictions Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for violations of facility rules, pending disciplinary proceedings, or at the discretion of the facility administrator. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also on the approved visitor list.
How To Send Money to a Belmont County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's commissary account through methods authorized by the Belmont County Jail. Members of the public should contact the facility directly at (740) 695-7933 or visit the Belmont County Jail website for current approved deposit methods, which may include:
- Kiosk deposits — on-site kiosks located at the facility
- Online deposits — through an approved third-party service provider designated by the facility
- Money orders — mailed to the facility with the inmate's full name and booking number clearly indicated
Amount Limits Deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply and are set by facility policy. Members of the public should verify current limits with the facility.
Fees Third-party service providers may charge a transaction fee. The facility itself does not typically charge a fee for receiving funds.
What You Cannot Send Cash sent directly through the mail is generally not accepted. Personal checks may also be prohibited.
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For Funds in an inmate's commissary account may be used to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and phone time. Funds may not be used to purchase contraband, pay fines directly, or be transferred to other inmates.
How To Send Jail Mail In Belmont County
Members of the public may send written correspondence to inmates housed at the Belmont County Jail by following the facility's established mail procedures.
Mailing Address All mail should be addressed to the inmate using their full legal name and booking number:
Inmate Full Name / Booking Number Belmont County Jail 68 West Main Street St. Clairsville, OH 43950
Mail Rules
- All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff for contraband and security purposes.
- Letters must be written on plain white paper and sent in standard white envelopes.
- Cards and photographs may be permitted subject to facility guidelines; oversized items, padded envelopes, or packages are generally not accepted through standard mail.
- Mail containing threatening language, coded messages, or references to illegal activity will be rejected and may be forwarded to law enforcement.
- Return address information must be included on all correspondence; anonymous mail may be refused.
- Publications such as books and magazines may only be accepted if sent directly from a publisher or approved vendor, not from individuals.
Members of the public should verify current mail policies with the Belmont County Jail prior to sending correspondence, as policies are subject to change at the discretion of facility administration.