Freedom for Bacino: ‘Whether We Like It Or Not’

2 comments June 20th, 2008

As I covered the Prisoner Review Board’s consideration of Ted Bacino’s request for parole in recent weeks, one question that prosecutors and others repeatedly wondered aloud to me was: Why are so many parole board members determined to release a cop killer?

Bacino’s request for parole was denied on Thursday when just four of the board’s members voted to free him. But in past years, as many as six of the board’s members have voted for his release. He needs just seven votes for freedom.

The board’s chairman, Jorge Montes, has consistently promoted Bacino’s parole. On Thursday, Montes argued it was only a matter of time until the board finally releases him.

“Mr. Bacino is in very poor health. He’s been in poor health, maybe a little worse last year than this year. He’s had great support from this board — up to six votes last year and the year before. He’s going to be released whether we like it or not within the next eight years, probably, if he’s still alive,” Montes said.

“He’s had support from very notable figures in the community, including Justice (Prentice) Marshall (who) before he passed away was one of the most important jurists on the federal bench in Chicago, the Northern District. So (he’s) a very influential and important man who put his reputation on the line to support Mr. Bacino. He’s elderly. He has excellent support from his family. His wife has still been waiting for him. He’s got good support at home. And he’s very involved with his church group, with his pastor, etc. So I’m going to be voting (yes for parole).”