In Carson: Board commutes sentences for 45 illegal aliens

Nevada's Pardons Board on Wednesday commuted the sentences of 46 illegal aliens in the Nevada prison system, clearing the way for the Parole Board to release them.

But they won't be let go. Instead, they'll be released to federal immigration authorities who will deport them.

Supreme Court Justice Jim Hardesty suggested releasing many of the illegals, who may constitute more than 10 percent of the prison population, as a way to reduce overcrowding. He said there are 1,065 illegal aliens in the Nevada prison system, many are being held for nonviolent crimes.

David Smith, of the Parole Board, said 35 illegals have been turned over to federal authorities. But the group dealt with Wednesday wasn't eligible for release because they hadn't served their minimum sentences yet. Only the Pardons Board, which consists of the seven Supreme Court justices, the attorney general and the

governor, has the power to make them eligible for parole early.

Hardesty said another 40 or so will become eligible for parole and deportation before June. Altogether, he said, the parole board should be able to turn over a total of 121 illegals by June 15.

But he said that's just the first phase of the plan. He said another 186 inmates will be considered at the Pardons Board on May 29. He said the inmates on that list are also good candidates for deportation since their crimes are nonviolent. Once the Pardons Board commutes their sentences, the parole board can release them for deportation as well.

In the future, he said, the board hopes to develop a system that routinely hands over

illegals to the federal government for deportation.

Gov. Jim Gibbons, chairman of the Pardons Board, said he wants one stipulation attached to the releases.

"My goal is we never see them back here again," he said. "If we find them back in our judicial system, they should not be privileged to have their minimum sentence commuted again. It's a one strike and you're out."

The other members of the board agreed.

Dorla Salling, chairwoman of the Parole Board, said any inmates who decide to return to the U.S. shouldn't be the state's problem because they will be prosecuted at the federal level. But she said if the state isn't satisfied with the federal punishment, the inmates who return would be parole violators who could be put back in the Nevada prison system.

Hardesty said he doubts that will be a problem because it isn't with the illegals who finish their sentences and are deported.

"The return rate is two or three people out of the 40 to 50 being deported each month," he said.

The idea behind the Pardons Board action is to get them out much quicker to reduce the overcrowding in Nevada's prison system. That overcrowding will force the state to build $1.9 billion in new prison beds over the next 10 years unless changes are made. In addition, it would save more than $20,000 per year it costs to house each inmate.

Hardesty said there will still be illegals in the Nevada prison system because release and deportation isn't an option for those who committed violent or sex crimes.

The 2007 Legislature is considering other changes as well to reduce overcrowding including doubling the rate at which inmates can earn good time credits that reduce their sentences.

Partnership Carson City, a coalition made up of city, school, civic and law-enforcement officials, as well as other community leaders to combat meth use, is working to spread information about the perils of the drug.

Several presentations have been compiled to address specific details that affect different groups.

The presentation groups are.

- Schools

- Parents

- Neighborhoods

- Workplace

- Hotel/Motel

- Landlords

To schedule any of the presentations, call the coalition at 887-2201.

The coalition was formed after the Carson City Board of Supervisors named combating methamphetamine use as its No. 1 priority in 2005.

Among the programs that have been created as a result are:

- A meth hotline through the Carson City Sheriff's Department where people can anonymously report suspicion of any meth-related crimes. That number is 887-2020 ext. 6384 (METH).

- A public-information campaign was launched with posters showing the physical degeneration of drug users. There are also pamphlets available listing side-effects and methods of treatment, as well as stickers, highlighters, magnets and other items featuring information. A campaign of radio advertisements is forthcoming.

- The Special Enforcement Team was formed with a group of officers who direct their efforts toward a specific criminal activity. Methamphetamine was established as one of its priorities. The team also works on such things as warrant service, community relations, drug awareness education and support to other divisions within the Carson City Sheriff's Department.