Governor Inslee announced that within days he is releasing 950 “non-violent” inmates from our state prison system. Peter Abbarno and Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney Jonathan Meyer discussed their opposition to the releases on KELA AM1470.
The governor is bowing to the demands of inmates who threatened to “take hostages” and damaged the Monroe Correctional Facility. This is not the kind of leadership we need in Washington state.
Peter Abbarno, candidate for State Representative in the 20th Legislative District.
Here are some of the crimes that qualify as “non-violent” felonies on Inslee’s list: Child Molestation, 2nd and 3rd degree. Rape, 3rd degree, Rape of a Child, 3rd degree, Sexual Misconduct with a Child, 1st degree, Possession of Child Pornography, Vehicular Homicide, Assault, 3rd degree, Animal Cruelty (torturing an animal), Stealing Firearms.
According to the 150-page report, “. . .They (inmates) initially complied with the direction, but once inside (minimum security unit), pulled fire alarms, set off fire extinguishers, vandalized property, turned bunks over to use as barricades, wrapped towels around their faces and stuffed magazines in their sweatshirts to protect against riot control measures, and said THEY WERE GOING TO TAKE HOSTAGES if staff entered the tier . . . ”
The Inslee administration won’t have time to confirm notification of victims that the criminals who victimized them are being released early. It was later determined that one inmate in particular, released in Cowlitz County, tested positive for COVID-19.
The governor is releasing potentially dangerous inmates and allowing them to dictate criminal justice reform through threats of violence. Criminals roam free but residential construction is not essential!! We can and will do better!
Peter Abbarno, candidate for State Representative in the 20th Legislative District.
