Portland’s lame-duck Democratic district attorney, Mike Schmidt, is seeking to reduce the sentences of several violent criminals, including a convicted murderer, just days before his replacement, Nathan Vasquez, takes office. Schmidt has petitioned an Oregon judge to reconsider the sentences of eight individuals, potentially resulting in reduced charges and the convicts being freed from prison. This move has been criticized by Vasquez as a “last-minute giveaway” to violent individuals who have committed serious crimes.
Among the violent offenders that Schmidt is seeking to free is Frank Swopes Jr., who was convicted of felony murder for killing a woman during a home invasion in 1993. Swopes Jr. went on to commit another violent crime shortly after the murder, tying up and sexually assaulting a 76-year-old woman during a robbery. He has served 32 years of a 35-year prison sentence for his crimes. Additionally, Shane Ebberts, who pleaded guilty to assault charges for attacking a college student in 1995, is also on Schmidt’s list. The DA’s office is seeking to have Ebberts withdraw his guilty pleas and enter a new plea to a lesser charge, which would allow him to have the crime expunged from his record if approved.
One of the victims of Ebberts’ random attack, Evan Gardner, strongly opposes Schmidt’s petition. Gardner, who was attacked alongside his friend David Clarke, expressed his disbelief at the attempt to reduce Ebberts’ assault convictions, as the attack had caused irreparable harm to both of their families. Clarke, who survived the attack after being placed in a medically induced coma, is also against reducing Ebberts’ charges, considering him to be a danger to society. Schmidt defended his petitions, stating that they are in line with similar ones he has supported over the past year and that his office stands for more than just convictions, but also strives for justice.
Schmidt’s actions have raised concerns among critics, particularly the incoming District Attorney, Nathan Vasquez, who defeated Schmidt in the recent election. Vasquez has criticized the move to reduce sentences for violent criminals, referring to it as a “last-minute giveaway” to individuals who have committed egregious crimes. The victims of these crimes have also expressed their strong opposition to the petitions, highlighting the lasting impact that the attacks have had on them and their families. These concerns have been amplified by the fact that Schmidt’s term is ending, and the decisions are being made just before Vasquez takes office.
The case of Frank Swopes Jr. stands out as an example of the type of offender that Schmidt is seeking to release early. Swopes Jr. was involved in a violent home invasion that resulted in the death of an elderly woman and later committed another heinous crime shortly after. The move to reduce his sentence and potentially free him from prison has caused outrage among those who have been affected by his actions. Similarly, the case of Shane Ebberts, who was involved in a brutal assault on a college student, has also sparked controversy. The victims of these crimes are speaking out against the potential reduction of sentences, emphasizing the lasting trauma that they have endured as a result of the violent attacks.
In response to the criticism, Schmidt has defended his actions by stating that the petitions are part of the work that his office has been doing throughout his term. He emphasized that the process is thorough and includes input from the community advisory board. Schmidt believes that the petitions are aligned with his pursuit of justice and are consistent with similar actions taken during his tenure. However, the controversy surrounding these last-minute attempts to reduce sentences for violent criminals has sparked a debate about the balance between justice, rehabilitation, and public safety in the criminal justice system.
