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Report: Gov. Justice appoints Mark Sorsaia as Secretary of Dept. of Homeland Security

Statement on WV Supreme Court's dismissal of petition vs DCR

4/23/2020

"We appreciate the Supreme Court’s prompt dismissal of this flawed filing. A judicial review has already found that the W.Va. Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation has developed a comprehensive COVID-19 response policy that embraces the latest information and best practices to ensure the health and safety of everyone in its facilities.

"The numerous errors in this petition included the fact that *seven* of the petitioning offenders *were not in custody* at the time it was filed. At least a dozen had been released before today. For the ACLU-WV to claim any credit would be a grave disservice to the men and women working tirelessly in the prosecutor and judicial offices across the state. DCR will continue to work with local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to ensure that any reduction in inmate population is done with public safety at its core."

LAWRENCE MESSINA (304) 957-2515 Lawrence.C.Messina@wv.gov