Governor Henry McMaster announced that he is directing South Carolina solicitors to seek approval from the Attorney General before reducing criminal sentences.
The Governor’s direction comes amidst an effort to restore the public’s confidence in the state’s criminal justice system.
In a letter to South Carolina’s State Circuit Solicitors, McMaster said he hopes this move will work through a focus on transparency and accountability.
This comes after the early release of convicted murderer Jeroid Price earlier this year alongside up to 26 other potentially similar early release cases in the state.
In a press release, McMaster said "In light of our recent experience with the Jeroid Price matter, it is imperative that the State review any previous (and potentially similar) early release orders to confirm compliance with the applicable law, and I appreciate Attorney General Wilson’s ongoing assistance in doing so. However, after-the-fact awareness of these incidents alone is not sufficient."
