JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) - Former Gov. Haley Barbour is responding to criticism about the more than 200 pardons issued before he left office this week.
A statement released from his office Wednesday evening said 189 of the 215 people pardoned were already out of prison.
"My decision about clemency was based upon the recommendation of the Parole Board in more than 90 percent of the cases," the statement said.
The statement went on to say 13 of the 26 inmates released from custody cost the state so much money due to their medical expenses and can be returned to custody if they commit another crime.
Three more pardoned inmates were listed as receiving a suspended sentence. All 16 are said to still be under the supervision of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
That leaves 10 inmates not mentioned.
The pardons by Barbour has generated so much attention that NBC Nightly News led with the story on its Wednesday broadcast.
In response to the outcry, Attorney General Jim Hood got a state judge to temporarily block the release of 21 of the inmates.
Hood says it's possible not enough public notice was given about the inmates seeking clemency.
