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| Jail inmates released early in Mich. |
| By WNDU-TV |
| Published: 09/26/2003 |
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Wednesday morning, 28 prisoners walked out of the Berrien County, Mich. Jail after their sentences were reduced to reduce the jail population, which according to Michigan law, was too high. Several hours later, over 20 more inmates were released early. The jail is still overcrowded but the early release is happening in groups. This first group had their sentences reduced by a few weeks. For the remaining 50 or so, they could be getting out a few months early. While some think the decision to release some inmates early, the man who ordered the release stands by his decision. 'To the extent that my colleagues thought they handed down a sentence thinking it was the end of justice to release someone early is a demonition of that,' said Berrien County Chief Justice Paul Maloney. Judge Maloney did not have many choices. He must follow Michigan laws. To reach the target of 331 prisoners, 70 inmates will get their sentences suspended. The sentences are for non-violent crimes like not paying child support, damaging property and check fraud. Shortening sentences is the county's short-term solution to the problem, but it's more difficult to find a long-term answer. Most agree something needs to be done because 75% of the time the jail is overcrowded. Some believe building a new jail could solve the problem but a new jail would cost millions. |
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