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County mistake: 25 jail inmates released early
All had less than a month to go, two have returned voluntarily
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CommentTwenty-five Napa County jail inmates were cut loose early on Wednesday because of a mistake by their jailers.
The inmates were let out before their scheduled release dates because jail officials used an incorrect formula to figure good and work time credits, according to Napa County Department of Corrections Director Julie Hutchin.
The inmates were let out before their scheduled release dates because jail officials used an incorrect formula to figure good and work time credits, according to Napa County Department of Corrections Director Julie Hutchin.
None of the 25 inmates released are convicted child molesters or rapists, Hutchin said on Friday evening. She said the inmates include those serving sentences for DUIs, other non-violent crimes and assault. Two of them were convicted of domestic violence.
As of Friday evening, two of the inmates had voluntarily turned themselves in to serve the remainders of their sentences.
As of Friday evening, two of the inmates had voluntarily turned themselves in to serve the remainders of their sentences.
“Our priority now is to see those inmates who had more than five days to serve are returned to jail,” Hutchin said.
Hutchin said although the inmates have been convicted, they do not pose a high danger to the community.
Hutchin said although the inmates have been convicted, they do not pose a high danger to the community.
“People held in county jail are not the violent offenders who would be sentenced to state prison,” Hutchin said.
Hutchin said on Friday evening that Napa County Superior Court judges were issuing arrest warrants for those inmates who had not voluntarily turned themselves in.
“Once we realized our error, we immediately notified the (inmates’) attorneys, who tried to get in touch with them,” Hutchin said.
Hutchin said that as head of the department of corrections, she assumes the responsibility for the error.
“I made the decision. We believed we may had been holding people too long in the jail because of their credits for good time and work time. I used a formula to calculate the good time and work time days. However I used the probation department’s formula instead of the department of corrections. As a result, 25 inmates were released too early,” Hutchin said.
The inmates were released on Wednesday. On Thursday, the probation department notified the county jail of the error, which set the wheels in motion to round up the 25 inmates who most likely thought Christmas came around again.
Hutchin said all of the inmates had between five days and one month left in jail before their scheduled releases.
“All of these people had already served 84 percent of the time owned to the county,” Hutchin said. “Once again, I want to stress that our priority is to see those who were released with more than five days to serve are returned to the jail. I understand what happened, and I can assure everyone it will not happen again.”
Napa and Madera are the only two among the state’s 58 counties that have correctional officers, not sheriff’s deputies, operating county jails.
Napa County Department of Corrections is a separate entity from the Napa County Sheriff’s Department. Hutchin is the department’s director, while Doug Koford oversees the sheriff’s department.
The jail is staffed by correctional officers who are not sworn peace officers. They do not carry weapons and have no police powers.
Hutchin said on Friday evening that Napa County Superior Court judges were issuing arrest warrants for those inmates who had not voluntarily turned themselves in.
“Once we realized our error, we immediately notified the (inmates’) attorneys, who tried to get in touch with them,” Hutchin said.
Hutchin said that as head of the department of corrections, she assumes the responsibility for the error.
“I made the decision. We believed we may had been holding people too long in the jail because of their credits for good time and work time. I used a formula to calculate the good time and work time days. However I used the probation department’s formula instead of the department of corrections. As a result, 25 inmates were released too early,” Hutchin said.
The inmates were released on Wednesday. On Thursday, the probation department notified the county jail of the error, which set the wheels in motion to round up the 25 inmates who most likely thought Christmas came around again.
Hutchin said all of the inmates had between five days and one month left in jail before their scheduled releases.
“All of these people had already served 84 percent of the time owned to the county,” Hutchin said. “Once again, I want to stress that our priority is to see those who were released with more than five days to serve are returned to the jail. I understand what happened, and I can assure everyone it will not happen again.”
Napa and Madera are the only two among the state’s 58 counties that have correctional officers, not sheriff’s deputies, operating county jails.
Napa County Department of Corrections is a separate entity from the Napa County Sheriff’s Department. Hutchin is the department’s director, while Doug Koford oversees the sheriff’s department.
The jail is staffed by correctional officers who are not sworn peace officers. They do not carry weapons and have no police powers.
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Dwayne wrote on Jan 11, 2008 8:31 PM:
Joe wrote on Jan 11, 2008 9:47 PM:
vernacular wrote on Jan 12, 2008 6:37 AM:
Sounds like at least some are violent offenders to me. "
ketama wrote on Jan 12, 2008 7:36 AM:
skippert wrote on Jan 12, 2008 8:17 AM:
hudds5 wrote on Jan 12, 2008 8:32 AM:
NapaValley61 wrote on Jan 12, 2008 9:04 AM:
cutiepie wrote on Jan 12, 2008 9:31 AM:
supernova8610 wrote on Jan 12, 2008 9:42 AM:
whowhatwherewhen wrote on Jan 12, 2008 12:13 PM:
Joe wrote on Jan 12, 2008 1:10 PM:
hudds5 wrote on Jan 12, 2008 2:59 PM:
thatonegirl143 wrote on Jan 12, 2008 7:21 PM:
FYI -- my boyfriend was one of the inmates who got released && called back. he went to work 6 days a week, 6-8 hours a day. he had 3 houses to choose to come home to && has nothing to do with drugs either [not only because he was in jail.] so dont assume things unless you know the facts. you dont need "inside" information. you need to be smart && non-judgmental.
"Sounds like at least some are violent offenders to me."
my boyfriend was in there for assult because he got into a fight ONE night. a fight. he didnt beat me or anyone else. him and another person were drunk && fought. hes not a "violent offender."
ps. the article isnt even the truth of what really happened. 46 people were released because a new law was passed. 2 days late the law was changed && they called everyone back.
pss. thanks joe for being open minded. "
MikezzzYttot wrote on Jan 12, 2008 7:25 PM:
Napaparent wrote on Jan 12, 2008 7:49 PM:
Maya wrote on Jan 12, 2008 8:29 PM:
I wonder what the penalty is for the person who made this mistake? I hope this at least goes in their personnel file. "
Napaparent wrote on Jan 12, 2008 10:42 PM:
Joe wrote on Jan 13, 2008 1:36 PM:
Napaparent wrote on Jan 13, 2008 7:48 PM: