COVID-era prison releases in NC under scrutiny as lawmakers open investigation

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Questions have been raised about the safety of a pandemic-era decision that led to the early release of thousands of North Carolina inmates.

The New York Post reported that in a review of state records, they found that nearly half of the roughly 3,500 inmates released early under a 2021 COVID-19 settlement later reoffended. Over 600 of those individuals went on to commit serious crimes, and at least 18 have since been charged with murder.

The early releases stemmed from a February 2021 settlement between the state and civil rights groups, including NAACP and the ACLU, which argued crowded prison conditions during the pandemic violated inmates' constitutional rights.

The Post reported that state data shows the recidivism rate for those released under the settlement was about 48%, slightly higher than the statewide rate for inmates released during the same period.

Lawmakers launch investigation

Now, Republican legislative leaders say they want answers.

House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger have announced a joint legislative subcommittee to investigate the COVID-era prisoner releases.

In a statement, Hall said public safety must be the government's top priority.

"Public safety is the most important responsibility of our government. If Roy Cooper or any other official failed at this most basic responsibility, the people of this state deserve to know about it."

The subcommittee is expected to examine how the release decisions were made and whether proper safeguards were in place.

Political fight intensifies

The issue has become a flashpoint in North Carolina's U.S. Senate race.

Former Gov. Roy Cooper, the Democratic nominee, has pushed back against criticism from Republicans, who have used the report to question his record on public safety.

A spokesperson for Cooper's campaign said similar claims have been "fact-checked for months and found to be false," and emphasized that public safety has been a top priority.

The spokesperson also noted that Cooper declined calls from outside groups to commute sentences more broadly during the pandemic.

Cooper is running for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat against Republican Michael Whatley, in a race that has drawn national attention.