At least 62 convicted sex offenders were erroneously released from Detroit prisons last week and on the loose for days before the mistake was noticed and they were taken back into custody, reports the Detroit News. The prisoners, with offenses ranging from child molestation to rape, had served their minimum sentences and just completed treatment programs at correctional facilities. All were released on tethers and were being monitored.
Republicans warned that there could be more such problems if Gov. Jennifer Granholm moves ahead with her plan to accelerate the release of prisoners who have completed their minimum sentences. They called on her to suspend her plan. “The governor is demanding that safeguards be put in place to prevent this from occurring again,” said a Granholm spokeswoman.