Prisons Chief Proposes Releasing Some Incapacitated Inmates

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction chief Gary Mohr wants to be able to release inmates who require round-the-clock medical care or are otherwise incapacitated. Mohr told an Ohio House committee Thursday it would save money. He wants to be able to allow judicial medical release in cases recommended by the department, although it would not involve inmates serving life or capital punishment sentences. The state is spending 1 million dollars a year caring for 58 people round-the-clock, including two who are brain dead and on life-support. Others have dementia and don't even know they are in prison. Mohr thinks the inmates could be better served in nursing homes. The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association opposes the change.