Oklahoma Attorney Says Client Shouldn't Be Affected By Prater Inquiry

The Oklahoma County District Attorney is blasting the Pardon and Parole Board for reportedly holding secret meetings and considering early release for certain inmates.

Patricia Spottedcrow is one of the 51 inmates listed in the letter the DA sent to the board's executive director and that the DA says was given early release consideration during these alleged secret, illegal meetings.  

8/8/2012 Related Story: Oklahoma County D.A. Accuses Parole Board Of Operating ‘Secret' Docket For Inmates

Laura Deskin, Spottedcrow's attorney, feels her client's case should not be one of the cases affected by Prater's inquiry. She says everything about Spottedcrow's case has been handled above board and out in the open.

Spottedcrow was arrested in 2009 for selling a $31 bag of pot to a police informant in front of her children. She entered a blind plea and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Her case prompted cries for sentencing reform after it was publicized that she received such a harsh sentence for a non-violent offense.

8/8/12 Related Story: Former DOC Board Member ‘Not Surprised' By Prater Allegations

A judge later reduced her sentence to eight years, four of which were to be suspended. Then in April, the Board unanimously approved her for early release. The Governor signed off on it last month.