Puerto Rico to free certain inmates 60 and older
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico's governor has signed a law that will free certain elderly inmates from prison as a cost-saving measure.
Alejandro Garcia Padilla says those between the ages of 60 and 64 who have served at least 10 years of their sentence and those 65 or older who have served at least five years could qualify.
He said Thursday that inmates found guilty of murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, incest and other serious crimes do not qualify. He said inmates who qualify must be first-time offenders and have demonstrated good conduct for at least one year.
The government has estimated that caring for an elderly inmate could cost more than $100,000 a year given medical costs involved.
Officials have estimated that Puerto Rico has nearly 150 inmates ages 60 or older.
