|
|
| Miss. AG says no way to jail inmate passes |
| By The Clarion-Ledger |
| Published: 10/06/2003 |
|
Hinds County, Miss., Sheriff Malcolm McMillin says he won't give any more weekend passes to jail inmates for now. That comes after state Attorney General Mike Moore said Wednesday that McMillin doesn't have the authority to let inmates convicted of violent crimes out of jail on passes. Moore said passes are only allowed for nonviolent criminals who participate in approved state-county work programs. McMillin has his own trusty program, but it is not recognized by the state. "No way can you release a violent inmate on a leave or pass," Moore said. McMillin admitted that some of those trusties released on passes were violent offenders. One of those was Millicent Bingham, a Jackson woman found guilty of manslaughter in the September 2001 stabbing death of her boyfriend, Allen Green. Ex-youth minister Christopher Goldman of Jackson, who pleaded guilty to sexual battery and gratification of lust involving a 15-year-old boy in 2001, also was let out on a weekend pass. "I think we run a good program and try to do the right thing," McMillin said. "I don't apologize for it. ... I'm trying to make inmates productive. I'm trying to instill a work ethic." Those on weekend passes are monitored through physical checks and telephone monitoring, McMillin said. All law enforcement agencies are provided a roster of those inmates who are out on passes, McMillin said. The roster is public record, he said. McMillin said he has never had a complaint about the program. Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps, who met with McMillin late Wednesday, said he and the sheriff had a difference of opinion about the issue, but it's time to move on now that the sheriff has said he won't grant any more passes. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think