LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The chairman of a legislative committee says 162 Nebraska inmates convicted of violent crimes were freed early under a furlough program.
The program was revealed at a hearing Wednesday as the chairman, Sen. Steve Lathrop, questioned Gov. Dave Heineman. Heineman was subpoenaed to testify under oath as part of an investigation into miscalculated prison sentences and other problems.
Lathrop says the program allowed the release of inmates convicted of second-degree murder, manslaughter and other crimes.
Lathrop argues that the re-entry furlough program violated state law, because it was created without public hearings or a waiver signed by the governor. Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning and the Department of Correctional Services both say the regulations in question didn't have to go through that process and weren't illegal.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Horton man arrested following weekend shooting
Hiawatha man facing sex, drug charges waives prelim hearing
Two arrested Thursday in Jackson Co on meth-related charges
Inmate dies at Lansing Correctional Facility
Jackson Co traffic stop leads to arrest
Early Thursday storms leave damage, outages, locally
One held for past Atchison shooting
MO grass fire battled Thursday
Community Healthcare System hires new CEO
Mound City Mayor Duane Nauman remembered
Brown Co Planning Commission established
Falls City School Board approves personnel moves and purchases
Valley Falls' future set for Wednesday eve discussion
PBPN breaks ground for new business
Sheriff issues safety reminder
Falls City man sentenced to Federal Prison
KS' LaTurner will not seek another term
LATEST STORIES
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Rates to increase at Brown Co landfill
NOAA weather radio event set in Seneca
Falls City man sentenced to Federal Prison
New nurse practitioner in Mound City
Mound City Aldermen reorganize and approve purchases
Valley Falls gains state tire grant