Colorado Governor is urged to RELEASE prisoner who was mistakenly let out early, reformed his life over nine years, worked steadily and supported his wife and two kids, but was put back inside when authorities discovered their mistake
Associated Press
April 22, 2017
The Colorado House unanimously called on their governor Friday to grant mercy to a robbery-kidnapping convict who is back in prison after being mistakenly released decades early and reforming his life.
Republicans and Democrats spoke for a resolution that calls Rene Lima-Marin's continued incarceration and separation from his family 'cruel and unusual punishment.'
They stood and applauded Lima-Marin's wife and two sons, who attended the non-binding resolution's reading.
Lima-Marin, 38, received a 98-year sentence after being convicted in 2000 of multiple robbery, kidnapping and burglary counts.
He and another man, Michael Clifton, robbed two suburban Denver video stores at gunpoint.
A judge issued him back-to-back sentences for the total of 98 years. But a court clerk mistakenly wrote in Lima-Marin's file that the sentences were to run at the same time. Lima-Marin was released on parole in 2008.
He held a steady job as a window glazer and got married before authorities realized the mistake in January 2014. Police returned him to prison to complete his sentence. He is eligible for parole in 2053.
Before being put back behind bars, he started selling coupon books door-to-door, and became skilled at cutting and installing windows.
He also reconnected with his former girlfriend, Jasmine Lima-Marin, and they married in 2014. He was active in church and helped coach soccer.
Lima-Marin helped Jasmine raise her 7-year-old son, Justus. Soon after, they had another boy, Josiah. Lima-Marin was in prison for his birthday party.
'That was his life, raising his kids and being a husband,' Jasmine said. 'He definitely was not the same person that he was when he went in to prison.'
Prosecutors have insisted Lima-Marin stay behind bars because he knew about the clerical error and never notified authorities.
Lima-Marin's co-defendant, Michael Clifton, also would have been mistakenly released early, but the error in his file was uncovered after he filed an appeal in his case. Clifton is serving 98 years in prison.
GOP Rep. Dave Williams is the lead sponsor of the legislative resolution. He was joined by Democratic Rep. Joe Salazar, who has clashed with Williams on immigration and sanctuary policy.
Lima-Marin's conduct out of prison is 'a story of restoration and redemption,' Williams said.
'We appreciate the passion surrounding this case,' said Jacque Montgomery, spokeswoman for Gov. John Hickenlooper. 'We thoroughly review all clemency applications and will do the same with anything Mr. Lima-Marin submits to our board.'
The resolution has bipartisan support in Colorado's Senate.
A message seeking comment from Gov. John Hickenlooper wasn't immediately returned Friday.
A suburban Denver judge is considering a request by Lima-Marin to release him.
EDITOR’S NOTE. I know Lima-Marin committed a serious crime, but I’m inclined to support his release.
He knowingly took advantage of a clerical error, but what other prison inmate wouldn’t do the same? Prosecutors want him to remain behind bars because he never notified the authorities that they had made a clerical error. He should have notified the authorities? … Come on, let’s get real.
I would think that Lima-Marin was supervised to one extend or another by parole officers during the nine years he was free. I’ll bet his required parole reports were about as rosy as those reports can get.
Lima-Marin proved he can be a productive citizen and that he is no longer a threat to the public safety. Kick him loose, Gov. Hickenlooper!
2 comments:
Give him his freedom.
I agree with Howie on this one. We have clear evidence of real, self-generated rehabilitation. Let it go.
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