California Releasing Parole Violators Early

California prison officials, facing severe overcrowding and a financial crisis, have been releasing inmates who were serving time for parole violations before they finished their scheduled terms.

State officials said the dozens of prisoners set free from the California Institution for Men in Chino and from lockups in San Diego and Shasta counties had 60 days or less left on their terms, or had been accused of violations and were awaiting hearings. The releases were approved by the state parole board.