FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY — Members of the Kentucky Parole Board have received death threats and harassment after the early release of a man convicted in a child’s brutal killing drew national condemnation — despite the board’s unanimous vote to keep him in prison.
According to the Kentucky State Police, parole board members’ personal information was leaked online, and threats of violence and death have been made against them and their families since the release of Ronald Exantus, 42, under a mandatory re-entry supervision law.
Board Members Opposed Release but Were Bound by State Law
In a statement from the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, officials said the Parole Board had unanimously voted on September 30 to deny Exantus’ release. However, under Kentucky’s mandatory re-entry supervision law, he was legally required to be freed.
“Despite repeatedly voting for Ronald Exantus to remain in prison, Parole Board members have faced significant threats over the last several days,” said Parole Board Chair Ladeidra N. Jones. “Some even had their personal addresses released publicly.”…