Oklahoma last week carried out the largest single-commutation in the country’s history, allowing more than 500 prisoners serving for low-level offenses to go free on Monday.
A unanimous vote from the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board Friday will allow 527 inmates to leave prison, local broadcaster News on 6 reported. The state reports that the release of these inmates will save taxpayers about $11.9 million, according to The Washington Post.
Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) said at a Friday press conference that the state is “implementing the will of the people” through these commutations.
“Hand delivering 524 signed commutations to be processed in time for the release of hundreds of non-violent, low-level inmates across our state on Monday,” Stitt tweeted. “Thank you to the dedicated Oklahomans who made this historic step towards criminal justice reform possible!”
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