Early Release Request For A Prisoner?

Should a Creek County man be released from prison early because his child is critically injured at home? A family is asking the Creek County District Attorney to allow just that. <br/><br/>News on 6

Friday, June 30th 2006, 11:05 am

By: News On 6

Should a Creek County man be released from prison early because his child is critically injured at home? A family is asking the Creek County District Attorney to allow just that.

News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright says 13-month old Sierra Kelly is blind and permanently brain damaged. Her grandmother is accused of grabbing the little girl by the head and throwing her to the ground because she wouldn't quit crying.

Sierra's father is in prison, her mother wants him home to help deal with this crisis.

Kelly family includes George, Katie and children Joshua, Charlotte and baby Sierra. George went to prison for violating his probation on a marijuana charge last September. He says he's scheduled to get out in October, but is hoping to get out earlier. That's because, little Sierra was severely injured last month and Sapulpa Police say George's mom did it.

Katie Kelly: "It's hard to go in and see her. Basically, she's back to infancy. She can't roll over like she used to, can't crawl like she used to. She used to say mama, dada, baba, basic words, but, she can't no more."

Katie says she spends her days shuttling between home and the hospital while also caring for her other two children and trying to get enough money to pay bills. She wants her husband home during this crisis that was not of their making or asking. "I'm hoping someone will help bring him home early. His kids need him, I need him and it would really help us. I'm on my own. Our church helps, but it's not the same."

George recently wrote a letter to the Creek County DA and judge in his case, asking for early release so he can be home during this time. He and Katie agree, if his mother, Emmaline Smith, is convicted of abusing Sierra, they want the maximum time for her. Katie says it's such a stressful time for the family and being separated makes it worse on everyone. "I know he's done bad things, but, all people make mistakes. He has to pay for it, but, when this happens, I think it should be looked at and some consideration given to the crime and let out to be with his family to be supportive."

The Creek County DA got the letter and has visited George in prison. They wouldn't tell me what was said, but they came away from that visit, convinced George was just using his daughter's medical problems to try to better his own situation. They do not plan to let him out early and they believe he needs to serve his full sentence, especially since he already violated his probation.

Sierra's grandmother has pleaded not guilty; she has a court date on Monday.

A trust fund as been set up for the family at the Spirit Bank in Sapulpa in the name of
Sierra Kelly.