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Repeat Offenders Could Soon Be Paroled
Reporter: Jeff Hogan, WBNS 10TV, October 5, 2010

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Some of the state's most dangerous criminals are about to be set free from prison, as early as next month, but officials say their early releases are by the book.

Their crimes are some of the most heinous, 10TV's Jeff Hogan reported on Tuesday.

After serving substantial sentences, the state said that their release is imminent.

For some convicted criminals, like Ray Woods, who was convicted of attempted murder, rape and kidnapping, it will not be the first time they are set free.

"Rape, kidnapping, assault," said Franklin County prosecutor Ron O'Brien. "He attempted to electrocute the lady in the bathtub."

Records showed Woods' upcoming release will be the seventh time he has been set free, Hogan reported.

"It's not like these guys are getting out and becoming model citizens," said Bret Vinocur, a victim advocate. "They're coming back again and again and again."

Vinocur brings attention to cases that present the most serious risks to society and urges prison officials to keep some of Ohio's most violent offenders behind bars.

"We're now dealing with the worst of the worst and you simply can't parole the worst of the worst without any opposition," he said.

Vinocur's theory is that overcrowding has weeded out low-level criminals and is now forcing the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to parole more violent offenders, something they deny.

"That's not weighed into our consideration," said Ohio Parole Board Chair Cynthia Mausser.

The DRC said it works with current information, and on a case by case basis. Board members have 18 different criteria, including "anything the board deems relevant."

"They've given (Woods) six opportunities, he's failed miserably every single time," Vinocur said.

"Certainly he's somebody that I'm going to write a letter to the parole board and ask them to keep him," O'Brien said.

The DRC said it has followed the letter of the law, which states that parole-eligible inmates have to be considered for release every 10 years, but a technicality can reduce that to just nine months.

" So if you're talking about somebody who's been released and returned to us, and their max date may not be well into the future, we just can't say enough is enough," Mausser said.

Corrections officials also pointed out there are plenty of other inmates who are eligible for parole, but are not deemed suitable for release at their first eligibility date.

They also said many of the worst offenders have already served decades in prison.

 

 
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