Two DAs, Four Crime Victims Sue Governor Brown Over Early Release

PORTLAND, OR — Last year, Governor Brown granted clemency to nearly 1,000 inmates. The majority fell into one of two categories: inmates who had less than 6 months on their sentences and met other conditions for parole or were medically vulnerable. There were also inmates who had assisted the state fight wildfires last year.

Another thing that many of them had in common was that they had not sought clemency.

According to the Lane and Linn County district attorneys – along with four crime victims – that was against the law and now they've filed a suit to stop the release of dozens of those inmates.

"Convicted criminals must initiate the process to seek forgiveness and state their case by demonstrating remorse, rehabilitation, and a desire and capability to reasonably re-enter society," the lawsuit says.

The suit also says that the law requires that the district attorney who oversaw the case be notified so that they can make sure that notification is made to the crime victim. That did not happen in every case, the suit says.

The district attorneys and victims are represented by the firm of Kevin Mannix, the former chairman of the state Republican Party.

The governor's office says that they do not comment on pending lawsuits.