Gov. DeWine approved early release of 105 Ohio inmates
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — During Wednesday's coronavirus briefing, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he has approved the early release of 105 inmates in an effort to decrease prison population and help slow the spread of COVID-19.
DeWine said all of the inmates will be tested for COVID-19 before they are released. He said none of the prisoners who are being released or are being considered for early release have been convicted of homicide-related offenses, kidnapping, abduction, ethnic intimidation, making terroristic threats, or domestic violence.
This announcement comes on the same day that a second COVID-19 inmate death was reported at the Pickaway Correctional Institution. Members of the National Guard have been called in to assist the medical team at the facility after a COVID-19 outbreak.
To reduce the population of the state's prisons, DeWine has asked the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to continue identifying inmates who could be eligible for early release.
