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Wanggaard on Evers's Upcoming Commutations
One Wisconsin Republican is shining a light on the hundreds of convicted criminals that Gov. Tony Evers may let out of prison between now and the end of the year.
Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, on Wednesday released a list of 800 people who may see their sentences reduced as part of the governor's commutation plan.
“For four months, Evers’ plan to release criminals early has been clouded in secrecy,” Wanggaard said in a statement. “The public has a right to know which dangerous criminals Evers is considering releasing. And it’s clear it’s some of the worst-of-the-worst.”
Gov. Evers issued two orders in April to restart Wisconsin’s commutation process.
“It’s time for Wisconsin to join red and blue states across our country and finally move our justice system into the 21st Century by reforming our criminal justice and corrections systems to improve public safety, reduce the likelihood that individuals will reoffend when they enter our communities, and save taxpayer dollars in the long run," the governor said at the time.
Wanggaard on Tuesday said he had to file a Freedom of Information request just to see the list, and then he followed-up with the law enforcement agencies who handled the people on the list, and said they were shocked.
“The people who prosecuted and heard these cases oppose the commutations nearly unanimously,” Wanggaard said. “Now, Governor Evers is using hand-picked, unelected bureaucrats to second guess the people actually involved in the case to overturn their sentences years later! That should upset everyone in Wisconsin.”
Wisconsin's Commutation Board will hold its first meeting on Friday.
Wanggaard said that meeting will decide the future for 8 people, "including 6 murderers, 4 of which were convicted of First-Degree Intentional Homicide and 1 convicted of two counts of First-Degree Intentional Homicide."
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