The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has been operating a secret parole docket and expediting the release of some inmates, including inmates ineligible for early release because they have not fulfilled mandatory sentencing guidelines, says Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater. The list of inmates placed on the secret docket by parole board members includes murderers and child molesters, as well as inmates convicted of lesser crimes, The Oklahoman reports.
Prater believes the Pardon and Parole Board’s actions violate Oklahoma’s Open Meeting Act, and he is considering filing charges against board members. The parole board denied the charge. The agency said it would seek an attorney general’s opinion regarding the 85 percent law and the authority to place offenders on a docket for early consideration.” The 85 percent law requires inmates convicted of certain offenses to serve 85 percent of their sentences before being considered for release.