State to release up to 950 inmates early to limit spread of coronavirus

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney publicly denounced the decision to release 950 inmates from Washington State prisons.

Citing coronavirus worries, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the release of hundreds of inmates, including many from Monroe Correctional Facility in Snohomish County.

In a statement to KIRO 7 News, Fortney said he believed the releases would lead to an increase of crime.

His exact statement reads:

The individuals the Governor is going to release are in prison for a reason. Their specific cases have already been adjudicated in our criminal justice system and they were sentenced for their crime(s). I am very confident that the leadership within the Department of Corrections has and will continue to take steps to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 within the prisons. Simply choosing to release approximately 1,000 prison inmates into our community in Snohomish County and around the State of Washington is irresponsible by the Governor. The residents of our county and state are already feeling anxious, are not able to work, and are sheltering in place for the most part. This mass release of prisoners will simply add to that anxiety in our community. Historically, it is likely that additional crimes will be committed as a result of this mass release prisoners. This decision will add further stress to the already strained resources of local law enforcement. In addition to all of the above, we must remember there are real victims to their crimes they chose to commit. If the Governor chooses to move forward with this mass release of prisoners, he is obligated to notify the crime victims of his intentions. The Governor needs to reconsider this decision.”

In Monroe, an inmate told KIRO 7 News he hadn't seen any of his fellow prisoners released, at least not yet.

"The vibe in here is a lot of hope, a lot of 'hey, I fit the requirements,” said the inmate.

For the prisoners who are freed, Washington’s ACLU said it would happen gradually, starting with those whose original release dates were first up.

Despite concern by Sheriff Fortney, Washington’s Department of Corrections insists only nonviolent offenders will go free.

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