Dear editor,
We, the undersigned, as pastors in Putnam County and beyond, write in support of Commissioner Garrett’s Letter to the Editor (“Let the punishment fit the crime,” April 17).
Law enforcement is vital to a safe and harmonious community, but enforcement that appears excessive or arbitrary undermines trust.
Quirino Boles broke the law when he voted as a newly convicted felon. But hearing the testimony of his family and friends — and knowing “Rino” personally — we can only conclude that his actions that day were no more than a tragic mistake.
Sheriff Sills has chosen to give Rino the maximum 90 days in jail. This means that a father will miss his son’s graduation from high school and his daughter’s graduation from college.
We appeal for clemency: let this man return to his family and livelihood; let him make room for those who pose a genuine danger to Putnam County; let him do community service teaching other felons about their rights, including how to restore their right to vote.
Why should a man accused of voting as an unqualified elector appear in court in handcuffs and leg irons?
Why have almost no family and friends been able to visit Rino in jail?
We appreciate the hard work and commitment shown day-in-day-out by local law enforcement. We support our sheriff, district attorney, and judges. But it is our duty as pastors and citizens to speak up when we see our fellow man locked away without justifiable cause.
Good people of Putnam County: please join us in signing the family’s petition for Rino’s release and for the merciful settlement of this case. You can sign the online petition at chng.it/vnyJGfhsRL.
“I was in prison and you came to visit me,” said Jesus.
“But when did we visit you in prison?” asked the people.
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25 36-40).
Sincerely, Pastor Matthew Brown, Pastor Troy Daniel, Pastor Demetrius Griffin, Pastor Wayne Griffin, Pastor Johnny Harris, Pastor Dexter Jackson, Minister Sidney Jackson, Pastor Simone Jones, Pastor Frederick Lowe, Pastor Brian Macon, Pastor Corey Macon, Minister Leon Mitchell, and Rev. Avis Williams