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No Contempt But Judge Scolds Officials For Parole Programs

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Sacramento, CA — A federal judge scolded prison officials Thursday for abandoning alternatives for parole violators, but declined to find them in contempt of court for failing to follow a court injunction.

Youth and Adult Correctional Secretary Roderick Hickman abruptly ended three programs in April to divert parole violators to halfway houses, drug treatment or electronic monitoring instead of returning them to prison.

Judge Lawrence Karlton says Hickman should have sought the court´s permission before ending or altering the programs.

Hickman has asked Karlton to appoint a mediator to oversee the settlement. Karlton is set to consider that request May 23.

Prison officials say they´re pleased Karlton decided against a contempt citation.

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