A man released on parole has been charged in an attack that leftone woman dead and a second critically injured.
James Christopher Riels was released from prison on April 7.Riels admitted beating Mary Jane Cruchon to death with a clawhammer. He even killed Cruchon's dog. His motive was robbery. Headmitted to it all. Riels was released from the NorthwestCorrectional Complex (Tiptonville) on April 7. He served six yearsof a 12-year sentence for aggravated robbery. When his father spoketo the media, he said he thought his son had beenrehabilitated.
Riels' criminal record also includes a 1995 indictment forrobbery and a one year sentence for a 1996 check forgery charge. Heis not new to the criminal system.
If Riels had not been paroled he would have been released in2007. He was turned down on his first request in 1999 because hewas considered "high risk" and was ordered to complete a substanceabuse program. He was again refused parole in 2001.
Riels completed the substance abuse program and earned hisGED.
After being released he returned to Memphis to live with hismother. Even after six years in prison and complete a substanceabuse program -- Riels could not kick his addiction. So, what isthe answer? Do prisons rehabilitate? Apparently not.
The numbers for repeat offenders are alarming. Reils' family andfriends have stated that he never gave indications of violence.
What can we do? Should we continue to dump all criminals injails and prisons and hold them until the space runs out? Somethingis wrong with this picture.
Maybe prison sentences are not the answer. A new study has foundthat true rehabilitation works better than jail for addicts,dealers and repeat offenders.
The study was conducted by researchers at Columbia University'sCenter on Addiction and Substance Abuse. The study concluded thatrehabilitation is far more productive than jail time at reducingdrug activity. The program has proven successful in BrooklynCounty, N.Y. It was established in 1990, and includes treatment,counseling and job training. Researchers claim that programparticipants are 67 percent less likely to return to prison thanthose who do not complete the 24-month program.
I think a program like this is needed in Memphis and ShelbyCounty. The CJC boasts one of the largest inmate populations inTennessee. The current method is not working so it should bereconsidered and fixed.
We cannot continue to release violent offender on our streets toharm our citizens. Something must be done. We need efficientprograms that offer counseling, education and job training.
It looks like Brooklyn County has the right idea. Jail timealone is not the answer.
