Record number of Ohio convicts released in 2003

According to the Columbus Dispatch article RELEASE Re-entry REHABILITATION, a record 27,721 inmates — 90 percent of them men — released from Ohio prisons last year.

The number was triggered by an overhaul of criminal-sentencing laws, more-lenient parole policies and increased diversions to community corrections programs.

More than 9,100 former inmates — one out of three released last year — are expected to return to victimize other Ohioans yet again, and return to prison within three years, according to projections by prison officials.

Nationally, the numbers are staggering. A record 600,000 inmates will hit the revolving door this year; two of three likely will be rearrested within three years.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

A second Dispatch article on the subject, entitled Little steps ON THE ROAD BACK, details the "fun" released convict Charles Artrip and his buddies like to have:

"He and his buddies would 'go wild,' roaming the streets until they found someone to beat up and rob. The last time went too far. The guy almost died. Brain fluid leaked from his nose and ears; doctors had to staple his scalp back together. Artrip did four years in the Richland Correctional Institution."

Following is a letter to OFCC about these articles:

----- Original Message -----
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2004
Subject: FYI

Good Morning:

I am a new member, and I want to bring something to your attention.

In yesterday’s Columbus Dispatch, there were two articles about ex-convicts participating in a program which supposedly will keep them out of trouble.

One man had done ten (10) terms in durance vile. Another described his younger days as going wild on the weekends and attacking law-abiding citizens. He did 4 years in Mansfield for beating someone so viciously that the victim had “brain fluid” leaking from his noose and ears.

Clearly, this is why I, at age 56, do not stand a chance against some hopped-up hoodlum in his early 20’s whose goal is not only robbery but the infliction of serious damage, as well.

Sincerely,

W