FIRST STATE PRISON INMATE PAROLED UNDER NEW MEDICAL PAROLE LAW

(Concord, NH) On August 24, 2004, the New Hampshire Adult Parole Board granted its first parole petition under a newly enacted statute that authorizes medical parole for offenders who are seriously ill. The Adult Parole Board determined that Brenda Hewitt, 34 of Gilford, met all of the criteria for medical parole as outlined under this new state law. She will be paroled on Friday August 27, 2004.

"Inmate Hewitt is covered by private health insurance, which will save the state of New Hampshire a projected $40,000 in treatment costs," said Robert J. MacLeod, Administrative Director, NH-DOC Medical and Forensic Services.

NH State Representative Larry G. Elliott, Chairman of the NH Adult Parole Board, said, "Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Department of Corrections, the Adult Parole Board, the Legislature, and the Governor's office, we are now able to offer this new system, which in the long run will be beneficial to the citizens of New Hampshire and to the health of qualified offenders. While on parole she will be closely supervised by the New Hampshire Division of Field Services."

Inmate Hewitt is currently serving a sentence for Forgery. Her original parole date was October 19, 2004. Her maximum release date is April 20, 2009.