For the second installment of "Shootin' It with the Sheriff," Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly discusses Ohio House Bill 86 and the implications it will have for law enforcement in not only Athens County but also the entire state.
House Bill 86 lessens the sentences for criminals convicted of fourth- and fifth-degree felonies, Kelly said. Instead of going to prison, felons will be placed in diversion and rehabilitation programs, he added.
Although the state will no longer pay for the criminals' stays in prison, county and local governments will have to cover the costs of the state-mandated rehabilitation programs.
Kelly said he agrees with former Athens County Prosecuter C. David Warren's statement that, "'What the state is doing is balancing the budget on the backs of victims.'"
Listen to learn how Kelly thinks the legislation will make preventing crime more difficult.
"When you take discipline from a person, or the threat of discipline ... what's the consequence?"
Have a question for the sheriff? Email to Ryan Clark at rc348710@ohiou.edu or message him on Twitter, @RyanGClark.
