As Ohio looks to lower its prison population due to concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), Governor Mike DeWine has identified 38 inmates who will be considered for early release.
The 38 inmates consist of 23 women who are either currently pregnant or recently gave birth. The other 15 are over the age of 60 and are approaching their release dates and the state believes they could be released early.
The inmates identified for potential release have not committed violent crimes, nor are they sex offenders, DeWine said.
DeWine said he will send letters to judges in the county's currently housing the inmates, who will then proceed through the protocol to determine whether or not the inmates should be released.
On Thursday, a 53-year-old inmate, Woodrow Taylor, at Elkton Prison near Youngstown died due to the coronavirus. Three inmates at the federal prison have tested positive for COVID-19, with another 80 showing symptoms.
As of Friday, Ohio has had 3,312 coronavirus cases, 895 of which have resulted in hospitalization, 288 ICU admissions and 91 deaths. Dating back to the discovery of the state's first positive coronavirus case on March 9, DeWine has taken several measures to encourage physical distancing, including a stay-at-home order that is currently in place until at least May 1.