Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-Ill. prosecutors rip secret early prison release
Member Center:
Associated Press - December 12, 2009 12:44 PM ET
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois prosecutors are slamming the secret early release of inmates by Gov. Pat Quinn's Corrections Department.
The Associated Press obtained and analyzed information showing at least 850 prisoners spending as little as 14 days total of a year's sentence behind bars since September. Corrections is granting them months of good-conduct time when they enter prison.
Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato (bruh-SKAH'-toh) says it undermines the justice system when victims see convicts coming home so soone.
DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett says an inmate should show good behavior before getting good-conduct time.
Corrections says it's saving money during a state budget crisis by not transporting inmates from the processing center to another prison for a short time.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
