
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 4, 1991                   TAG: 9104040530
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ALL HAVE RIGHT TO PRESUMED INNOCENCE

IN RESPONSE to George E. Wilson's letter March 20 asking why I was ever released from prison, I was "shocked and dismayed" by his refusal to allow me every man's right to be innocent until proven guilty. I am a suspect in these bank robberies, and I might add that since my arrest, there have been two other bank robberies or attempts.

I was not convicted of 17 armed robberies, nor am I a three-time prison and jail escapee. I was convicted of several serious crimes when I was 18 years old. They included drug-related armed robberies, gun violations and drug offenses.

I received the stiffest sentences ever given for these crimes and spent more than 17 years in maximum-security prisons. I have never hurt anyone physically in the commission of a crime; yet I watched murderers, child molesters and rapists walk out of prison after serving half as much time as I did. I paid dearly for my crimes, yet I successfully completed every program I became eligible for.

From reading the newspaper articles, I can understand how Mr. Wilson wonders how someone serving five life sentences ever got out; but he needs to do some research before he starts taking my constitutional rights away.

If he is correct that the Parole Board is responsible for the actions of its parolees, then I believe Mr. Wilson and those with similar views should be held responsible for those who are innocent and are denied their constitutional rights to a fair trial. THOMAS W. ROBINSON MONTGOMERY COUNTY JAIL CHRISTIANSBURG

by CNB