FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Seth Unger March 17, 2009 Terry Thornton(916) 445-4950
Sara Jane Olson Released to Parole
Request to Serve Parole Supervision in Minnesota Approved
CHOWCHILLA — Central California Women’s Facility inmate Sara Jane Olson, a former member of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), was released to parole on Tuesday,March 17, 2009.Olson, also known as Kathleen Soliah, was convicted in Los Angeles County for a 1975attempt to explode a destructive device with the intent to commit murder. She also served aSacramento County conviction for second-degree murder for the 1975 death of MyrnaOpsahl, who was shot by an SLA member during a bank robbery.Olson petitioned to have her parole supervision transferred to Minnesota upon completionof her sentence, so that she could be placed with her husband and family members. TheCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) approved the request.Studies have shown that family reunification is an evidence-based indicator of protectingthe public by decreasing recidivism.Olson’s transfer is consistent with the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision,which permits offenders who meet the mandatory criteria to be supervised on parole inanother state. One of the criteria is that the offender must have been a resident of theother state for at least one continuous year and have resident family in the other state thathave indicated a willingness and ability to assist in the plan of supervision. There arecurrently 1,454 out of state parolees under supervision in California, and 1,043 Californiaparolees under supervision in other states under this compact, which has been in placesince 1937.Consistent with applicable state law in effect when she was convicted, Olson will serve oneyear on parole supervision. During that time she must comply with conditions of paroleimposed by both California and Minnesota. Olson’s conditions of parole imposed by CDCRinclude prohibitions against association with former SLA members or co-defendants, andcontact with any victims or their family members.- MORE -
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