State lawmakers, attorneys, and some citizens are continuing to ask Governor Jay Nixon to release from prison a man who has been there for more than two decades for marijuana-related offenses.
Representative Shamed Dogan (center) and Chris Mizanskey (to Dogan’s left) deliver a petition to Governor Nixon asking for an early release for Chris’ father Jeff Mizanskey, who is serving life in prison under a sentencing law that Missouri has since taken off the books. (Photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)
Supporters of Jeff Mizanskey have delivered a petition with nearly 400,000 signatures to the governor requesting clemency for him.
The signatures of 128 legislators were among those submitted on the petition.
Representative Paul Fitzwater (R-Potosi) says in Mizanskey’s case, the punishment does not fit the crime. “Mr. Mizanskey has served his sentence far greater than the crime committed and we need to see that justice is given to Mr. Mizanskey.”
According to Fitzwater, during Mizanskey’s 21 years in prison, he’s had two infractions. One was for a messy floor and the other was for putting a piece of mail in the wrong slot at the mailroom.
Representative Kevin Engler (R-Farmington) says the Legislature needs to take a look at the time criminals serve in prison for certain offenses.
“Do the taxpayers really want to pay for these types of criminals being in that long?” asked Engler. “It’s one thing to do some correction. It’s another thing to put them away forever.
The petition is the second such effort launched on Mizanskey’s behalf. Earlier this year, a House Committee chaired by Fitzwater also held a hearing on a bill offered by Representative Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin) that would free Mizanskey if passed.