In the 1970s, Illinois sentenced prisoners convicted of serious crimes, in Mr. Dumas’ case murder, “indeterminate sentences”. This meant that there was no determined date at which a prisoner had to be released. As a result, 100s of prisoners had been languishing in prison with no hope of release. Thanks to the work of Attorneys Aviva Futorian, Sara Garber and Susan Ritacca, a concerted campaign to bring these prisoners home has succeeded in reducing the number of “C” number prisoners to 82. Mr. Dumas was one of these.
Attorney Melinda Power took on Mr. Dumas parole case pro bono (no charge) and with the help of Attorney Susan Ritacca, prepared his case for parole. We compiled letters in support of his release, including from a former correctional officer, and his family, one of whom offered to house Mr. Dumas for as long as he wants. In addition, a petition gathered over 500 signatures supporting his release.
During his long years of incarceration, Mr. Dumas became a master tailor and an avid reader, focusing on the Russian classics.
His parole hearing was held 8/27. The parole board member who had interviewed him twice, recommended parole. His cousin, her husband and the former correctional officer all spoke in support of his release. The vote for release? 11-2. A resounding vote of support for James Dumas. James is now beginning a new life with his family,