Maurice Clemmons, man wanted for questioning, has long criminal history

Seattle Times ^ | November 29, 2009 | Seattle Times staff

[Charles Henrickson]

Maurice Clemmons, the 37-year-old Tacoma man being sought for questioning in the killing of four Lakewood police officers this morning, has a long criminal record punctuated by violence, erratic behavior and concerns about his mental health.

Nine years ago, then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee granted clemency to Clemmons, commuting his lengthy prison sentence over the protestations of prosecutors.

"This is the day I've been dreading for a long time," Larry Jegley, prosecuting attorney for Arkansas' Pulaski County said Sunday night when informed that Clemmons was being sought in connection to the killings.

Clemmons' criminal history includes at least five felony convictions in Arkansas and at least eight felony charges in Washington. The record also stands out for the number of times he has been released from custody despite questions about the danger he posed.

Clemmons had been in jail in Pierce County for the past several months on a pending charge of second-degree rape of a child.

He was released from custody just six days ago, even though he was wanted on a fugitive warrant out of Arkansas and was staring at eight felony charges in all out of Washington state.

[Charles Henrickson]

[Lurker]

And Mike Huckabee now has the blood of four dead cops on his hands.

Hopefully he'll do the right thing. And by that I mean something involving a pistol and a single round.

[Longbow1969]

Apparently another criminal Huckabee granted clemency too.

Not sure why this guy deserved to be released against the wishes of prosecutors who warned about this violent offender.

[BobL]

So, no wonder Huckster said today that he might not run in 2012. This makes Willie Horton look like a shoplifter.

[BunnySlippers]

Huckabee is over.

[BunnySlippers]

Supposedly he has been shot. They said two of the police died sitting, one standing up and the fourth died following the perp out the door after shooting him.

[GVnana]

released from custody just six days ago, even though he was wanted on a fugitive warrant out of Arkansas and was staring at eight felony charges in all out of Washington state

Sh*t.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Kirby Puckett???

[Clint Williams]

When Clemmons received the 60-year sentence, he was already serving 48 years on five felony convictions and facing up to 95 more years on charges of robbery, theft of property and possessing a handgun on school property. Records from Clemmons' sentencing described him as 5-foot-7 and 108 pounds. The crimes were committed when he was 17.

Clemmons served 11 years before being released.

News accounts say Huckabee then commuted Clemmons' sentence, citing Clemmons' young age at the time the crimes were committed.

[who knows what evil?]

Nine years ago, then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee granted clemency to Clemmons, commuting his lengthy prison sentence over the protestations of prosecutors.

I can't wait to hear the explanation for this from Mr. Huckabee.

[Third Person]

FU Huckabee! Spin your way out of this, bastard.

[TNCMAXQ]

What a horrible story. This alone should sink Huckabee. Was he nuts to let some of these guys out?? Maybe it was not a coincidence that just today he said it was unlikely he would run for president again. If he changes his mind and does go for it, his opponents really should use this against him.

[Clint Williams]

But Clemmons remained on parole — and soon after landed in trouble again. In March 2001, he was accused of violating his parole by committing aggravated robbery and theft, according to a story in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

[Clint Williams]

News accounts out of Arkansas offer a confusing — and, at times, conflicting — description of Clemmons' criminal history and prison time.

Bad news.

[BobL]

“What a horrible story. This alone should sink Huckabee. Was he nuts to let some of these guys out?? Maybe it was not a coincidence that just today he said it was unlikely he would run for president again. If he changes his mind and does go for it, his opponents really should use this against him.”

You know, it was a barely kept secret that the Dems wanted to run against Huckabee in 2012...they were doing all they could for him (like trying desperately to take down Sarah). Now maybe we’re starting to see their strategy. They must have a boatload of other stuff on him.

[Beloved Levinite]

P.O.S.

[tflabo]

reported that Clemmons had been saying he could fly and that he expected President Obama to visit to "confirm that he is Messiah in the flesh."

He be a conned sucker.....that's so 2008 anyway. Hows that dope and chains working out for him now?

[sionnsar]

Say WA? Evergreen State ping

Quick link: WA State Board

FReepmail sionnsar if you want on or off this ping list.
Ping sionnsar if you see a Washington state related thread.

[3catsanadog]

This guy was a ticking time bomb. Huckabee should’ve never let him go; regardless doesn’t seem like the judicial system that took care of crimes he committed thereafter did such a bang up job either.

[KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle]

Nine years ago, then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee granted clemency to Clemmons, commuting his lengthy prison sentence over the protestations of prosecutors.

I really don't trust myself to say anything right now that wouldn't result in an instantaneous banning.