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Cameron Blasts Beshear for New Crime Data

October 13, 2023

New report reveals more than half of criminals released by Beshear committed felonies

Louisville, Ky. (October 13, 2023) – Attorney General and Republican nominee for Governor, Daniel Cameron, took Andy Beshear to task today over a new report which shows more than half of the criminals released by Beshear committed felonies upon release.

“Andy Beshear’s shortsighted decision to release nearly 2,000 criminals from prison has made our state less safe,” Cameron said. “He continues to call himself compassionate. Where is his compassion for the victims of the criminals he released? He should look into the eyes of these victims and say he is sorry.”

In 2021, the Courier-Journal reported that half of the criminals released by Beshear committed new crimes, with a third of the criminals released by Beshear committing felonies upon release. 

The new report issued by the Administrative Office of the Courts paints a much darker picture. The new report shows that nearly 70 percent of the prisoners released by Beshear have recommitted offenses. 52 percent of criminals released recommitted felonies, including multiple instances of kidnapping and sodomy.

Republican House Majority Whip Jason Nemes and State Representative Kevin Bratcher joined the Attorney General to highlight Beshear’s misguided decision. 

“We warned the Governor before he did this that it would put our people in jeopardy and make more victims, but he did not listen.” Nemes said. “It’s astonishing that 70 percent have reoffended, and over 50 percent reoffended with felonies. These numbers represent real Kentuckians whose lives have been turned upside down by criminals who should not have been released.” 

“Being tough on crime means holding individuals accountable for their actions, and that is what we are doing today,” Bratcher said. “We are here to hold the Governor accountable for his complacency on this issue. We need someone like Daniel in the Governor’s office who, unlike this current Governor, will be tough on crime and work with the legislature to ensure the safety of all citizens.” 

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