Sen. Suzio also called upon the Malloy Administration to
reappoint the state's non-partisan, independent State Victim Advocate Michelle
Cruz to another term. Cruz has been outspoken against the Malloy Administration's
new early release plan, which enables violent felons such as rapists,
arsonists, child molesters and animal abusers to become eligible for early
prison release under the Risk Reduction Earned Credits program.
"For months, we have been asking the Governor to
suspend the Early Release Program as it applies to violent criminals and sexual
predators and to order an investigation of the readily apparent failure to
adequately protect the public," Sen. Suzio said. "We already know of two
murders associated with Early Release criminals. We know of a rape that was
reported last week in Vernon. We know of a carjacking of an elderly lady this
month in New Britain and we know of the sexual harassment of a 14-year old on a
Middletown bus last month by an Early Release convict who had 28 convictions
including rape at knifepoint.
"This week, we learned of the shooting of a 16-month
old baby in New Haven by an Early Release graduate. How many murders, rapes and
shootings of infants must take place before the Governor suspends this program?
Enough is enough.
"We also are here to acknowledge the incredible courage
and dedication of the State's Victim Advocate, Michelle Cruz. Michelle has
shown the light of truth on the disastrous Early Release Program. In so doing,
she has demonstrated one of the rare characteristics of a political appointee
today: the courage to stand up to the powers-that-be and say what the most
powerful politicians in the state don't want to hear. This Program is dangerous
and should be suspended immediately. This program is a betrayal of the justice
due to the victims of violent crime and their families.
"The Malloy Administration has begun the process to
appoint a new State Victim Advocate. They say that Michelle can apply. But we
all know that the appointment should be automatic. No other candidate can
demonstrate the courage and independence that this important office requires
better than Michelle's heroic efforts. You can't put courage on a resume.
Michelle's courage is there for all of Connecticut to see and appreciate. It's
time for Governor Malloy to show some courage and appoint a truly independent Victim
Advocate."
Suzio represents Meriden, Cheshire, Middletown, Middlefield
and Rockfall. His petition calling for the suspension of the early release
program can be signed online at www.senatorsuzio.com.
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