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First inmates released from Pinellas jail
Early edition: Twenty-five inmates charged with lesser crimes have been released from Pinellas's crowded jail, the Times has learned.
By JACOB H. FRIES
Published April 26, 2007
Twenty-five inmates charged with misdemeanor crimes have been released from Pinellas County's chronically crowded jail, according to a list exclusively obtained by the Times. Among those set free: Willie B. Jones, 47, of St. Petersburg who spent nearly a month behind bars on a battery charge. Michelle Erway, 40, a homeless woman in St. Petersburg charged with soliciting for prostitution. She spent eight days in custody. Margaret Martinsen, 50, of Largo who was charged with criminal mischief. She spent three weeks in the jail. Ronald Paul, 31, of Largo who spent four days in jail after being charged with exposing his sexual organs in Clearwater. They were among the first inmates set free late last week after a court order empowered Sheriff Jim Coats to release inmates accused of misdemeanors and local ordinances violations, like having an open container of alcohol in public. All 25 were accused of relatively minor offenses, including driving under the influence, battery, criminal mischief, prostitution and drug possession. For the most part, they were poor and remained in custody because they couldn't afford to post even the small amounts of bail. The 25 inmates were not released as one group, but on a case-by-case basis, officials said. Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Chief Judge David Demers issued the authorization last week to free certain inmates, responding to a jail population hovering around 3,600 - 1,100 more than it was originally designed to house. Under the policy, the inmates eligible first for release are those accused of misdemeanors or ordinance violations. If that doesn't provide enough relief, Coats can ask the court to consider freeing people accused of nonviolent felonies, such as retail theft and drug possession. Jail staff already has compiled a list of 30 inmates charged with nonviolent felonies. And if the jail population is still above 3,300, the facility's modified capacity, the sheriff could set free inmates sentenced to the county jail who only have a short time left to serve. Staff researcher Angie Drobnic Holan contributed to this report.
[Last modified April 26, 2007, 15:50:10]
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by quonda
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02/03/08 10:33 AM
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I definitely think that there are worse people our jails could be filled p with.
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by SamanthaS
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04/27/07 09:20 AM
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This is ridiculous. This is going to cause more problems for everyone, people not learning there lessons for there crimes.
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by Linda
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04/27/07 06:46 AM
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Now they can commit 'bigger & better' crimes! Stop funding politicians and stupidity and put that money toward more jails. Doesn't have to be fancy - they don't deserve luxury and rights, just boredom and incarceration!
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by deb
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04/27/07 01:29 AM
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y was the man exposing himself released?
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by Bob
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04/26/07 11:27 PM
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Nice to know that some guy walking around exposing himself is not considered a prelude to a more serious sexual offense is considered a "minor crime"....we'll hear more about Ronald Paul....
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by Wild Bill
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04/26/07 09:19 PM
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Stop the senseless war on drugs, there's plenty of jail space for those who choose to impose their will on others. As longs as druggies only hurt themselves, they are harmless to society.
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by Dave
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04/26/07 09:17 PM
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It's a complete joke that we throw non-violent drug offenders and prostitutes in jail. They are adults and do nothing to harm anyone else. It's the Nazi attitude of locking anyone up who doesn't act in ways you approve of, that is the evil here.
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by Kim
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04/26/07 08:47 PM
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Look at the big picture here these people cound not afford a $500 bail to get out, they had no choice but to stay. You could be out there and make a silly mistake and end up in jail, what you think you are better then them. Wake up!
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by Jimbo
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04/26/07 08:39 PM
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Yeah boy lock your doors and stay off the streets, the criminals are back out to commit more crimes...who cares if there are 50 in a 5 x 5 cell, they are criminals, why do we care if the are uncomfortable?
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by Michael Tee
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04/26/07 07:40 PM
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I feel this is a good thing but in all comes a little late! In part that back in 2001 I spent time in the system on several misdimeaner charges and as a result have not been able to shake it as relates to obtaining gainful employment...
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by Todd
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04/26/07 07:15 PM
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Here's to the first offenders, and non threatening inmates who get a chance to get out early.
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by aj
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04/26/07 06:57 PM
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Get a grip. Our criminal system is out of control and over burdened with BS cases. Lock up violent criminals, fine and other forms of restution for the non-violent. We need to keep quality of life and morale issues "crimes" out of the courts!!!
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by Jimmy
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04/26/07 06:24 PM
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Why are they letting a thug charged with battery and a pervert charged with exposing himself out! I wonder if the high school boy with the mooning charge sees that, he's probally his idol.
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by ScareCrow
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04/26/07 05:34 PM
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Now, I gotta keep a sharp eye on my vegetable garden!
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by JD
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04/26/07 04:56 PM
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The real problem is that there are people in there for the kind of offenses that in most areas of the country only justify an appearence ticket. That is the problem. Mickey Mouse crimes are locked up.
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by DrewFinn
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04/26/07 04:43 PM
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This is wonderful news, set the criminals free because the jails are not up to the "Holiday Inn" standards that have been applied. Pack em in with a shoehorn and a can of grease. It's a jail, not a fun vacation resort!!!!
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by john
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04/26/07 04:21 PM
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why stop there just let them all out of jail you will have them back after they commit another crime. what is wrong with you folks for not building tent cities i forgot about our homeless living in tents.
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