Posted on 05/29/2005 2:49:09 PM PDT by smoothsailing
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2005
Man released after serving life sentence for stealing TV
Associated Press
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C.--After 35 years in prison for stealing a black-and-white television set, Junior Allen is a free man.
Allen, 65, walked out of prison Friday, ending a case that attracted widespread attention because he remained in jail while other inmates convicted of murder, rape or child molestation were released.
"I'm glad to be out," Allen told supporters outside Orange Correctional Center. "I've done too much time for what I did. I won't be truly happy until I see a sign that says I'm outside of North Carolina."
Allen was a 30-year-old migrant farm worker from Georgia with a criminal history that included burglaries and a violent assault when he sneaked into an unlocked house and stole a 19-inch black-and-white television worth $140.
Some state records say Allen roughed up the 87-year-old woman who lived there, but he was not convicted of assault.
Instead, he was sentenced in 1970 to life in prison for second-degree burglary. The penalty for the offense has since been changed to a maximum of three years in prison.
The state Parole Commission decided last year to release Allen if he behaved and completed a transitional work-release program. He worked at a restaurant washing dishes and floors and had no prison infractions in the past three years.
He did so well he was released several months early -- on his 26th try at parole. His parole could last up to five years.
Rich Rosen, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill law professor who took up Allen's case three years ago, said it was a shame that Allen had not been released decades ago. "At least he's got some years left," Rosen said.
THey released a dead man because he was stinking up the whole cell block.
Oh, is that all? I thought maybe he had to jimmy the lock or something. An unlocked house - now that's just an invitation to burglary. /sarcasm
See posts #7 & #9.;)
Hmmmmmmmmm?
$140 versus 35 yrs x $40,0000 (aprox average tax cost/yr ) = $ 1.4 million
Expensive.
“a criminal history that included burglaries and a violent assault when he sneaked into an unlocked house and stole a 19-inch black-and-white television worth $140. Some state records say Allen roughed up the 87-year-old woman who lived there, but he was not convicted of assault.
What would have been the cost, in money and damage to society, of his probable 50 year criminal career of burglaries and violent assaults?
How much more would it cost if he accidentally kills someone during his violent assaults or graduated to “bigger” criminal things?
My guess is that it wasn't your tv. Nor did he commit the violent offense against your relative.
I don't know the specifics for North Carolina, but in Texas...a life sentence is 60 years. If the convict is given a sentence more than 60 years, it can be reduced to 60.
A man I helped prosecute was given 85 years in Texas, his sentence was reduced to 60 years, and he had to do a minimum of 1/4 of that sentence because I proved he used a weapon against me and I was in fear for my life. He has done about 14 1/2 years...he goes before the parole board on Dec 23rd.
It was the old lady's fault. You know, an 'attractive menace.' That's what they call it when some kids get into your pool and drown. Same thing here. The guy is a nasty moron and leaving a house unlocked is too much tempation for him. They should lock up the 87 year old lady. Of course, she's probably a bit gone by now. /sarc
I don't agree with your journalism 100% there, Lou. It is not considered solid journalistic practice to make the headline an oxymoron.
I should have said, "attractive nuisance."
I hope you do not live near him.
He's in Texas...I'm in Colorado. He was allowed to have pen and paper when I was being questioned...the defense attorney forced me to give my full name and address. I asked if I really had to give that info and was told yes...I said "At least take away his pen and paper then"!
He warned me that if I participated in the prosecution, I was going to die! That's why I now have my CCW, and a new .44 special.
Good idea. I also hope you have gone to target practice: )
Well, I've gotta ask- did they take away his pen and paper? Or is that sort of thing to common sense for the court?
Yesterday I took my gun, my kids and a watermelon to the rifle range.
I hit the watermelon (with self defense loads) on the side, this wiped out one side...hit it again, and it spun facing the opposide side (end) to me...hit it in the end, and it emptied the watermelon out!! It was quite a demonstration for the kids.
I also fired off about 50 rounds at a life sized target.
I attend self defense activities on the 4th Sunday of the month. The first time I did this, I hit my mark 47 out of 50 shots.
I plan to purchase the equipment to load my own rounds when I get a good job. It will cost about $400 to set me up, and then it will cost me a lot less to have ammo for target shooting.
I plan to be extremely proficient by the time he goes before the board. I just hope they aren't stupid enough to release him! I have my letter ready for the board, I hope it's good enough!
They refused...saying he had a right to take notes at his trial.
BTW, who's Lou? :)
You appear to have taken every precaution, and a good shot too! Go Truss!!
Thank you! :)
Oh, you're perceptive.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.