Palacios asks AG to look into inmates' release

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Committee Chair on Public Safety, Senator Adolpho Palacios is urging the Attorney General's Office to look into the Department of Corrections actions in releasing a half dozen inmates on parole without a hearing.  As KUAM first reported DOC released the six inmates because the parole board still doesn't have a quorum, and according to DOC officials the law only permits the department to confine them for up to 60 days if they are not brought before the parole board for a hearing. 

Senator Palacios wants clarification on what authority were the releases made.

According to DOC spokesperson Lieutenant Antone Aguon, the parolees were being held for violating the conditions of their parole, but were released because a lack of quorum prevented them for appearing for a revocation hearing. A new law authored by the Democrat lawmaker increased the number of people to sit on the parole board and also changed some of the requirements for membership.

Currently there are only three members. Senator Palacios is waiting for the governor to make additional appointments.