Sacramento – At the start of next year, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Secretary Jeffrey Beard is stepping down to return to his family in Pennsylvania, reports Los Angeles Times reporter Paige St. John. “When he took the job in December 2012, he thought he might be here for a couple of years but that he had no fixed time line,” said agency spokesman Jeffrey Callison. “It’s now three years on, and he feels it’s time to focus more of his time and energy on his family who live a couple of thousand miles away.”
Los Angeles — Luis Vargas spent 16 years in prison for a rape that DNA evidence showed he did not commit, The Associated Press reports. DNA testing methods were not as sensitive at the time of his trial, and the convictions were based on positive identifications by three victims.
Helena, Mont. – State prison administrators from Montana examined technology classes at Folsom and San Quentin state prisons in California that teach inmates computer coding. Montana Correctional Enterprises administrator Gayle Lambert said the state is making plans to add computer coding classes to train inmates in job skills they can use once released from prison and is looking for resources, including partnerships with businesses, The Associated Press reports.
Kentucky – As a part of a move against felon disenfranchisement laws affecting nearly 6 million Americans, Gov. Steve Beshear signed an executive order to restore the right to vote and to hold public office for ex-felons who have finished their sentences, MSNBC reports. The order does not cover those convicted of violent or sex crimes, bribery or treason. “The right to vote is one of the most intrinsically American privileges, and thousands of Kentuckians are living, working and paying taxes in the state but are denied his basic right,” Beshear, a Democrat, said at a press conference. “Once an individual has served his or her time and paid all restitution, society expects them to reintegrate into their communities and become law-abiding and productive citizens. A key part of that transition is the right to vote.”
Nashville – The understaffed Hamilton County Jail failed to meet minimum standards for the second year. Inspectors called the facility “antiquated,” and said, “Staffing levels are low and security for staff and inmates could be compromised,” the Times Free Press reports.
Pennsylvania – Han Tak Lee spent 24 years in prison for his daughter’s death before a judge concluded that his 1990 conviction was based on since-discredited scientific theories, The Associated Press reports. Lee’s conviction was one of dozens to be called into question around the country in the midst of ground-breaking improvements in investigators’ understanding of how an intentionally set fire can be distinguished from an accidental one.
Maryland – The state has reached a settlement with several advocacy groups over conditions at the Baltimore jails complex, Reuters reports. A federal judge still needs to approve the plan that would overhaul the jail’s health care system and make major improvements, including accommodations for people with disabilities. Progress will be tracked by monitors.
Washington, D.C. — Donald Eugene Gates was paid $617,000 for each year he spent in prison for a 1981 rape DNA evidence showed he did not commit, The Associated Press reports. The $16.65 million payout was given amid a federal court’s finding that two city police officers fabricated and withheld evidence in the case. With advances in DNA technology, his lawyers were able in show that genetic evidence from the forcible rape was not linked to Gates.
Philadelphia – A chicken pox outbreak has caused some court cases to be delayed at the Federal Detention Center, The Associated Press reports. More than 1,000 people are housed at the prison. It is unknown how many have contracted the disease.
Amherst –Hampshire College updated its investment policy language and will not invest in private prison, private security or surveillance companies, weapons manufacturers and fossil fuels, according to the new policy adopted by the Board of Trustees.