ADA, OK - Oklahoma's highest profile prosecutor recently put the state's pardon and parole board on notice for allegedly allowing ineligible inmates to come up for parole. When it made headlines, the daughter of a victim of a violent crime here in Texoma reached out to News 12 to express her concerns, calling Oklahoma prisons nothing but a "revolving door".
Shirley Phillip's father, Claude Arterburn, was the victim of a violent attack in 2011. Three teenagers robbed his Ada home, brutally beat him and left the 85-year-old great grandfather for dead.
His three attackers were each sentenced to 40 years in prison.
"Poppa feels now that the is safe now for the rest of his life," Phillips said. "He feels like he will be gone by the time they are released."
Phillips said she has always had her doubts about the state pardon and parole board.
"They get out and they get back in the community and they re-offend and its just a never ending cycle," Phillips said.
Earlier this month the parole board was given an ultimatum by Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater. The appointed members could either resign or face criminal charges for violating the states open meeting act. The board did not budge.
Prater said he recently learned at least five inmates, all violent offenders, were up for parole years too soon. Oklahoma law requires violent offenders serve a minimum of 85% of their sentences before being eligible for parole.
"It is my honest opinion that the Oklahoma County District Attorney needs to prosecute them to the fullest," Phillips said. "They need to be accountable for their actions."
The board denies any wrong doing. So far, no charges have been filed against the board.
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