Connecticut Governor Makes Surprising Appointment to Parole Board

Kenneth Ireland spent two decades — almost half of his life — in prison for a rape and murder he did not commit before DNA proved his innocence and he was released in 2009. Now five years later, Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced his appointment to the state Board of Pardons and Paroles.

The 

Hartford Courant

 reports that Ireland’s responsibilities on the board will include deciding the future of others who claim innocence and appeal for clemency. Joining Ireland on the five- person board are people with backgrounds in nonprofit management, law and parole or probation. The 

Courant

 writes:

“Ken Ireland is a man of extraordinary character, who endured the unimaginable pain of nearly 20 years of wrongful incarceration and yet is not only without bitterness, but is incredibly thoughtful, insightful and committed to public safety and public service,” said Malloy, who announced four other appointments to the Board of Pardons and Paroles Wednesday. 

“By long experience, Ken Ireland is intimately familiar with the criminal justice system and knows better than most that there are individuals who deserve to be in prison and there are individuals whom society should give another chance, and I believe that he will take very, very seriously the responsibility of making those judgments,” the governor said.

In a statement released by his attorney William Bloss, Ireland said he was honored by Malloy’s trust in him. 

“Perhaps more than most, I understand the importance of fairness in the criminal justice system and the importance of public safety. I look forward to serving the people of the state of Connecticut in any way possible,” said Ireland, according to the 

Courant

. 

Read the full article

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More about Ireland’s case

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