Just so no one is confused, this post deals entirely with the state of West Virginia’s criminal action against Austin Vantrease (Convicted, Felony Assault) who is currently in prison. It is in no way connected to the pending civil action against him.
Although not definite, in my estimation all signs point toward Austin Vantrease applying for parole. He is eligible this month. For one, he spent a couple of weeks at the Martinburg Correction Center (MCC). My guess is he underwent behavioral diagnostic examinations while there. From there, he was taken to the Huttonsville Correctional Center for, what I expect, is a parole hearing this month. Then, the West Virginia Department of Correction (WV-DOC) bombarded me with literature about parole of an offender. I received this in the mail on Saturday, but set it aside until today.
Immediately below is the cover letter that came in the package. You can use the tools in the top right of the document to expand it to full-page or magnify.
Many identified that they wanted to help by writing a letter to the Parole Board. You can simply use the address provided in the letter. Here’s my recommendation on how to address it:
Office of the Commissioner/Parole Board
Inmate Vantrease, Austin (DOC# 51398-2)
1409 Greenbrier Street
Charleston, WV 25311
As yet, I don’t know much more. Still, any help is appreciated. It is my understanding that he gets only one chance at parole. If denied, Vantrease can not make another request. If you would, a copy of your letter might help me in my presentation (either written, oral, or both) to the parole board. They must know all implications of potentially releasing him into the public. My email is Kdiviney@ryansrally.org.
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Update: A commenter asked some very important questions about what to write. Here is my response:
I suggest not waiting more than a week to get it out, but I don’t know when the hearing is set yet. You can either mail it or fax. Both ways are provided in the letter.
My recommendation is to stay as close to what the letter is requesting:
1. The nature of the crime (kicking a defenseless person).
2. How the crime affects Ryan’s family and loved ones.
3. The wish to keep the criminal accountable.
4. The risk to public safety (to the community and my family).
PLEASE HELP WITH RYAN’S WISH LIST
Ken,
I just finished my letter and will be sending it to you via e-mail in a moment. I noticed we can fax our letters to the parole board. There are two fax numbers, I have included both for friends that want to fax it. This may help in getting them to the board before his parole hearing.
(304) 558-5367 Fax – Commissioner’s Office
(304) 558-1495 Fax Parole Services
From the following link:http://www.paroleboard.wv.gov/Pages/FAQ.aspx
Item 20 states –
How does the Parole Board make the decision to grant or deny parole?
The Parole Board in considering an inmate for parole takes in consideration the circumstances of the crime, his prior convictions, his institutional conduct, his participation in the institutional programming, whether or not the inmate has been successful previously on parole, probation, home confinement and bond, the sentiment of the community and the official sentiment, the demeanor of the inmate during the interview, and the results of any physical, mental or psychiatric examinations and if the inmate has a solid aftercare plan and/or plans for future employment. The Parole Board will consider the positive and the negative factors in all areas and will not confine its determination to any particular area to the exclusion of the others.
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It is extremely important that as much support as possible is given to Ryan by writing and sending your letters to the state of WV parole board asap.
Ashburn, Loudoun, Morgantown, Pennsylvania and all across the country and beyond, please help!!! Thank you for all your wonderful support, and for caring about a young man who continues to fight to live.
Letter has been placed in the mail. Will send you a copy. SHSP and always will.
I wouldn’t put it past the friends and family of inmate # 51398-2 to have their own letter writing campaign going as to why he should be released. You know…’cause he’s such a great guy, etc. Yeah, right.
You can bet I’ll be writing a letter on behalf of / in support for Ryan and your whole family, Ken.
Many people who have read this blog today are extremely concerned about AVT being paroled. Let us put pen to paper as quickly as possible and express the magnitude of suffering so brutally inflicted upon the Diviney family.
Is there any real justice possible for Ryan? Not much, but keeping the perpetrator who so savagely attacked him in prison is a start.
How does one begin to evaluate whether AVT should be considered for parole? Aside from the unending pain and heartache AVT has brought this family, is the fact that he has not shown even the tinest amount of remorse for his reprehensible behavior. That is reason enough for him to be denied parole.
How can a person change if they do not accept responsibility for the crime they have committed, and apologize and devote themselves to providing whatever means of support possible to the victim?
AVT has done none of the above.
I am assuming there will be sufficient security at this hearing, given the past ugly behavior of AVT’s family. For sure there should be publicity at the hearing to document everything that goes on.
I believe the hearing will be held at the prison itself. Not sure if it’s public.
Ken – is there a due date for this letter? Any particular information that I should include in this letter? Want to do all I can to help!
I suggest not waiting more than a week to get it out, but I don’t know when the hearing is set yet. You can either mail it or fax. Both ways are provided in the letter.
My recommendation is to stay as close to what the letter is requesting:
1. The nature of the crime (kicking a defenseless person).
2. How the crime affects Ryan’s family and loved ones.
3. The wish to keep the criminal accountable.
4. The risk to public safety (to the community and my family).
I’ve revised my post to include the answers to your questions in my post.
Ken, Will definitely write the board.Where do you want copies of letters sent to you? How much notice do they give you when the hearing is going to be? He shouldn’t even be up for parole,but I know there are laws allowing criminals to go before board, where are Ryan’s laws and rights???? Sickening to even think there could be a possibility of him getting out,so I won’t think it!
Hope the week is going fast and please tell Ryan I said hello and keep up all his good work so he can get better Always here
Love gail
If you would just email them to Kdiviney@ryansrally.org.
I don’t know how much notice I will get in advance. I would hope they would allow at least a week so that I can make arrangements.
If this scumbag gets out on parole, this will prove our system is a joke.