Free Tammy Wilson

Statement:
A female inmate in the West Virginia Correctional system has been denied her basic human rights. Tammy Wilson has been incarcerated for almost 20 years during which time she has been denied reasonable medical request, psychological counseling and been sexually harassed by the officials your taxes pay to rehabilitate offenders. Roger Cline admitted to pulling the trigger in this case in October of 1990. Roger was subsequently convicted of murder with two alleged co-conspirators, Harry Johnson and Tammy Wilson. Tammy received a more severe sentence than the two men in this case. Tammy, being the only woman to stand trial in this case, received originally a more severe sentence than the two men involved. Harry Johnson has since been released from the custody of the Division of Corrections after serving only 9 years.

Tammy after serving nearly fourteen (14) years was granted mercy, making her eligible for parole the guideline being 10 years to life. However Tammy has twice been denied parole contrary to the guidelines established in the West Virginia code (62-12-13 Powers and Duties of board; eligibility for parole; procedure for granting parole.) After meeting those guidelines Tammy was denied parole for an additional three years both in 2004 and again in 2007. The parole board found that “additional incarceration will further serve her rehabilitation purpose and not be detrimental to any of the parties involved.” As a result of that denial Tammy continues to be abused at the hands of State employees. One such incident was documented by Correctional officials and resulted in legal action.

The family of Todd McQuaid has made Tammy a target for revenge. They have written a book and letters, started web sites and even offered reward in the form of free books as incentive to anyone who will get signatures on a petition to keep Tammy in jail.
It appears that the State has indulged the victim’s family by allowing undue influence to be brought to bear under the banner of victim’s rights. There is an expectation that justice be dispensed evenly in our legal system yet Tammy still remains incarcerated while others with similar sentences are paroled when they have served the same or less time.

There is clear and compelling reason to reassign custody of Tammy Wilson to the State Parole System. Tammy has an impeccable rehabilitation record; she has attended classes, programs and courses too numerous to mention which can be made available upon request. She has obtained her Associates Degree, participated in numerous charity functions, volunteered at every opportunity to help others and participated in the Pilot Puppy Program, a program which allows offenders a year with a puppy to train social skills for a Seeing Eye dog. Tammy’s personal development and rehabilitation demonstrates that she presents no danger to the society. Her continued incarceration in no way serves the public good. What does it say of our belief in our rehabilitation methods if this individual still remains incarcerated after completing all the programs required of her.