One of the more troubling ways states are responding to the coronavirus pandemic is by releasing thousands of dangerous criminals back out into society before they would normally be eligible for release. Some of these offenders have been accused of serious crimes including crimes against children, drug trafficking, assault, and various murder-related charges. Now, they’ve been set free all in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
States like New York, California, and Illinois have been releasing thousands of dangerous criminals since the beginning of March. Even more concerning is that among the thousands of inmates being released many of them are convicted sex offenders.
Breitbart reports that of the 4,500 inmates released in the state of Illinois between March 1 and May 6, nearly 150 of them have been convicted of sex crimes.
Breitbart gives the details on three of these dangerous, now free, criminals:
Steven Haberkorn, 31-years-old, is one of the child sex abusers who was allowed to parole out of prison on March 2. Around 2011, Haberkorn was convicted of predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
At the time of the incident, Haberkorn was 21 years old and his victim was nine years old.
Gustavo Covarrubias, a 59-year-old child sex abuser, was also allowed to parole out of prison on March 24. Around 2014, Covarrubias was convicted of predatory criminal sexual assault. At the time of the incident, Covarrubias was 53 years old and his victim was 11 years old.
Likewise, 47-year-old Charles Shumard was allowed to parole out of prison on March 9. Around 2016, Shumard was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. At the time of the incident, Shumard was 43 years old and his victim was 15 years old.
Breitbart reports that of the more than 4,500 inmates released in Illinois, 520 of them have been convicted of “Class X” felonies. These felonies are the most serious violent crimes a person can be convicted of aside from first-degree murder. Now, these violent and dangerous criminals are back out on the streets. That should help Illinois residents sleep at night.
Meanwhile, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) has said violators of the state’s stay-at-home orders could be taken into custody, charged, and prosecuted.
We can’t help but wonder how exactly releasing these dangerous criminals early is supposed to slow the spread of the virus. This is beyond lawlessness. It’s sheer insanity.
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