2-20-2009 Michigan:
Linda Woodward’s brother, Melvin Cook, was sent to prison in 1985 for a minimum sentence of 20 years. He’s still there after 24 years.
But that could change under Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s proposal to release nonviolent inmates who have served their minimum sentences.
Cook, 60, wasn’t eligible for another parole hearing until 2010 but he could now appear before an expanded parole board as early as next month for another hearing.
Woodward of Orion Township, said she hopes he gets out soon. Cook’s health isn’t good she says, and her aging mother would like to seem him before she dies, Woodward says. “Twenty-six years is a long time,” Woodward said of her brother’s time in jail, which includes the time prior to his conviction. “I just cry all the time because they won’t give him a chance,” Woodward said. “People kill people and get out with less time then my brother.” Cook is being held at the Ernest C. Brooks Correctional Facility in Muskegon, according to state records.
He was sentenced in Oakland County Circuit Court in 1985 to 20-80 years for breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony and first-degree criminal sexual conduct. The case details were not available in the county’s online records.
Cook was first eligible for parole in December 2004, which was denied. He was also denied parole in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
“The offense he’s serving on has a very low parole rate,” says Department of Corrections spokesman Russ Marlan. “CSC offenders are the lowest parole approval rate of all crime categories.”
But Granholm’s proposed budget for 2010 includes cuts of $120 million to the Department of Corrections, including the closing of some facilities.
As part of the effort to stave off a $1.6 billion state deficit and pare the corrections budget, which accounts for about a third of the state’s general fund spending, prisoners’ sentences are also being reviewed for accelerated parole, if they’ve served their minimum sentence.
Cook is among 12,000 prisoners who have completed their minimum sentences and eligible for review, Marlan said.
The state expects to release about a third of them.
Marlan said the Michigan Parole Board is using an new assessment tool to gauge the risk of a convicted sex offender committing a repeat offense. The tool is called the Vermont Assessment of Sex Offender Risk.
“There’s no guarantee he would be paroled,” Marlan said.
“If the VASOR shows he has a low probability of reoffending, it may give him a greater chance of being paroled.”
Marlan said he can’t specifically comment on the health of any prisoner.
“As far as his health problems, the board is continuously reviewing the population for prisoners whose health condition is deteriorating to the point where it affects their likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior,” Marlan said.
Woodward says her brother no longer poses a risk because of his health issues.
“His liver is real bad, he takes other medication, he hears voices now.” Woodward said.
“My poor mother calls me every day. She just wants to spend some time with him before she dies.” ..News Source.. by CHARLES CRUMM, Of The Oakland Press
February 21, 2009
MI- Should inmates be released?
July 15, 2008
VT- Governor says no parole or probation for sex offenders
Ah yes, a perfect society you seek, seems like I've heard that before Heil Governor!
7-15-2008 Vermont:
As public servants, our most important responsibility is to protect the most vulnerable among us from harm. Children represent our greatest hope for a better tomorrow and it is heart-wrenching for all of us when we are confronted with cases of abuse – especially sexual abuse against children.
There has been a great deal of talk, finger-pointing and grandstanding in recent days regarding the tragedy of Brooke Bennett’s death. This does nothing to serve Brooke’s memory. This does nothing to address the failures of that particular case and, more importantly, it does nothing to protect children all across our state who deserve to grow up in a safe and loving community.
We must remember that the ultimate responsibility of Brooke’s tragedy lies with the person or persons who ended her life. As a society, our responsibility is to ensure that we do everything possible to prevent future victims.
This isn’t about one community or one case; this is about every child and every community in our state. I will not rest until I can look every parent in the eye with the confidence that we have done everything possible to give parents the tools they need to protect their children.
Last week, I called for an immediate and aggressive internal investigation surrounding a probation officer’s 2004 recommendation that a judge grant Michael Jacques an early discharge from probation. Both the position of the probation officer and decision of the judge in that case couldn’t have been more wrong. I have demanded an overhaul of the department’s policies and practices to ensure that no judge can irresponsibly use the misguided recommendation of a probation officer to release a repeat sex offender from probation.
While that investigation is underway, and until a full report is issued by the Department, I have ordered that under no circumstances will a probation or parole officer or any other individual, department or agency support the early release of any sex offender before they have served their maximum sentence.
Additionally, I have asked Corrections to work closely with Senator Dick Sears and his committee to explore judicial and corrections improvements to protect Vermonters. The department has worked closely with Senator Sears in the past and Vermonters expect that he will conduct his review with the same objectivity and thoughtfulness that have characterized his prior efforts.
In order to effect positive change at every level, we must thoroughly examine judicial decision-making in these types of violent sexual cases to ensure that dangerous sexual predators are never again released before serving their maximum sentence. To that end, I expect the judiciary to conduct a similar review to ensure that missteps are not repeated by judges in future cases.
Now we must look to the future – to steps we can take today to strengthen Vermont’s sex offender laws in every way possible. We must not put off action on those changes we can make immediately. I stand ready to call a special session of the Legislature to pass civil confinement, an expanded sex offender registry and a Vermont-style Jessica’s Law to enhance mandatory minimums. These proposals have already been deliberated at length and do not require additional testimony.
I have reached out to the offices of the Speaker and President Pro Tem to request a meeting with them, the minority leaders and the chairs of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to urge them to support a one day special session for the sole purpose of considering these proposals. I would ask them to return for one day to give an up or down vote on these important reforms.
In the coming months, my administration will be an active participant in Senator Sears’ hearings and will work with him to advance a comprehensive package of reforms when the Legislature returns in January. I hope the Legislature will join with me in the same spirit of bi-partisanship to take immediate action in a one day special session to pass civil confinement, an expanded sex offender registry and a Jessica’s Law to enhance mandatory minimums.
Children trust adults. That bond is the basis for every healthy successful family and community. When that trust is broken and is used to harm a single child, the fabric of our community is torn. It is our responsibility to join together to take action that reassures the parents, families, and communities that we are doing everything possible to protect Vermont’s children. ..News Source.. by Rutland Hearld
