McGorty & Perillo Oppose Early Release Program for Violent Criminals
State Representatives Ben McGorty (R-122) and Jason Perillo (R-113) are looking to roll back the state’s catastrophic policy of early release credits for violent offenders. The policy, put in place by Governor Dannel P. Malloy and legislative Democrats, was enacted in 2011. Since then, numerous violent crimes, including murder, have been committed by individuals released early under its provisions. Both Shelton legislators are throwing their support behind SB 1129 which would close important loopholes in the program.
“The story of this program is one of failure, and it is clear that if elimination isn’t on the table, significant reforms must be achieved,” said Rep. McGorty. “We need to make sure that the stories of tragedies that have resulted from criminals who had no business being released from prison are ended.”
“I would prefer to see this program eliminated entirely,” said Rep. Perillo. “It is a measure that makes this state softer on crime and puts the public at risk. But the reality is that Governor Malloy and legislative Democrats will not abandon it. In light of that, we are at least seeking to find ways that will establish stringent restrictions on who can and cannot qualify for credits under the program. If the governor is looking to find ways to balance the budget, releasing violent criminals from jail isn’t the solution.”
During the 2011 session, majority Democrats passed legislation without a public hearing that allowed the Department of Corrections to award early release credits for good behavior for a reduced sentence. While those guilty of crimes such as murder, aggravated sexual assault in the first degree and home invasions aren’t eligible, other violent criminals such as child molesters, and arsonists are.
McGorty & Perillo pointed to numerous news stories of individuals who were released under the program who quickly returned to violent crime. One of those criminals is Arthur Hapgood who stabbed a one-year-old girl to death last August after participating in the program, despite having failed several drug tests in prison and having committed other numerous violations while incarcerated.
The measure they offered support to, SB 1129, An Act Establishing a Pilot Program to Identify and Track the Homeless, Addicted or Mentally Ill Persons Entering the Justice System and Concerning the Earned Risk Reduction Credit Program, is currently before the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, and received a public hearing this week.
Provisions of the bill expand the list of crimes for which an inmate is sentenced and becomes ineligible to earn risk reduction credits and requires the warden to review and verify an inmate’s record if risk reduction credits are being applied to reduce such inmate’s sentence. It expands the list of crimes to include: manslaughter in the first degree, manslaughter in the first degree, assault of a pregnant woman resulting in termination of pregnancy, and aggravated sexual assault of a minor.
Both legislators expressed disappointment that several House Republican bills which would increase accountability and prevent violent criminals from qualifying under the program were not brought forward by majority Democrats in the committee process.
This session of the Connecticut General Assembly will adjourn at midnight, Wednesday, June 3rd.