Prisons director removes 2 from Ohio Parole Board

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Prisons director removes 2 from Ohio Parole Board

The state prisons chief has removed two of the nine members of the Ohio Parole Board.

The Dayton Daily News reports Director Gary Mohr removed Cathy Collins-Taylor and Jose Torres from the board this week without much explanation. A spokeswoman said only that Mohr is making changes to improve the prisons system and is looking to find “the right people for the right positions.”

The board considers the possible release of thousands of inmates. Ohio’s parole rate was 6.9 percent last year, down from about 26 percent in 2001 and more than 48 percent in 2004.

The board also reviews clemency requests from condemned inmates.

The members who were removed had participated in the most recent clemency decision, with one in favor of mercy and the other against it.

www.vindy.com/news/2012/jun/22/prisons-director-removes-2-ohio-parole-board/?nw

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Ohio Parole Board Adds New Members


The Ohio prisons director has added three members to the state parole board after removing two others with little explanation.

The nine-person board considers release requests from thousands of inmates, along with clemency requests from condemned prisoners.

The newest members include Andre Imbrogno, a former Department of Rehabilitation and Correction attorney. The others are Marc Houk, a former warden at several prisons, and Ron Nelson, a longtime DRC administrator.

They were appointed by prisons director Gary Mohr and started their duties July 2.

Democratic state Rep. Tracy Maxwell Heard of Columbus alleged last month the removals of Jose Torres and Cathy Collins-Taylor were politically motivated, because both were appointed by former Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland.

The prisons system said Mohr selects career-oriented corrections professionals committed to his reform efforts.

www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wsyx_vid_18377.shtml