PENN
––––
Killer of sheriff Harry Wolfe will remain in prison
The man who killed Union County Sheriff Harry Wolfe in 1982 will remain behind bars.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Parole Board has denied the release of Stanley Penn, now 68. He will not be eligible again for parole until December of 2027
In 1983, Penn pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, aggravated burglary and grand theft and was sentenced to 27 years to life in prison.
“We are relieved once again that he has been denied parole,” said Cindy Wolfe, who is married to Harry Wolfe’s son, Steve.
Union County Sheriff Jamie Patton said he and law enforcement officials statewide are “absolutely pleased” with the parole board’s decision.
Patton, along with law enforcement and family representatives spoke to the parole board, argued that Penn’s actions still impact the community and the he should not be released.
The board, which can be comprised of up to 12 members, agreed.
“While we do not release the actual vote, the decision was reached by a majority of the Board, or at least 7 members,” parole board spokesman JoEllen Smith wrote.
In denying Penn’s release, the parole board cited his “extensive and violent criminal history” for the likelihood that he would commit more crimes and be a danger to the public.
“In the past, he has demonstrated an inability to conform to the conditions of parole release while under supervision in the community,” according to a statement from the parole board.
According to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitations and Corrections, Penn was released from prison in November of 1980 after serving a penitentiary sentence for an Attempted Aggravated Burglary conviction out of Cuyahoga County.
The board said Penn “continues to demonstrate the capacity to conform to institutional rules and regulations,” but that he needs the structure and programming of the prison to “abate his risk to reoffend.”
It said there is “substantial reason to believe that the inmate will engage in further criminal conduct or that the inmate will not conform to such conditions of release.”
The board also said it believes the community would be harmed by Penn’s release.
“There is substantial reason to believe that due to the serious nature of the crime, the releases of the inmate into society would create undue risk to public safety, or that due to the serious nature of the crime, the release of the inmate would not further the interest of justice or be consistent with the welfare and security of society,” according to a statement released by the board.
In January 1982, Penn shot and killed Wolfe, then the sheriff of the county. Wolfe was returning to the area after taking a prisoner to Columbus. He was apparently responding to the call of burglary in process at a home on Robinson Road in Jerome Township. Wolfe got to the scene first and when other deputies arrived at the scene, they found the sheriff dead, shot multiple times. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly tried to get information from Penn, but he has given multiple conflicting reports and has refused to give details about the killing.
Because of his history and because he killed a law enforcement officer, Penn could have been eligible for capital punishment. Larry Schneider, former Union County prosecutor, had planned to seek the death penalty until Wolfe’s widow asked him not to.
Patton said that now law enforcement officials are united in their opposition to Penn’s release.
“Officers of all color uniforms, statewide, are all coming together, speaking with one voice to support the cause that Stanley Penn should not be released,” Patton said.
He said law enforcement had an organized letter-writing campaign, but added that many community members also officially opposed Penn’s release.
“Yes, community input is one factor the board considers when making these decisions,” Smith wrote.
Cindy Wolfe said the community support shows it still cares.
“The family is thankful to the public for any support,” she said. “It still remains personal to our family as well as to our community.”
She said that it is important for citizens to know “their efforts make a difference.”
In February 2008, the Ohio Department of Corrections’ Parole Board rejected Penn’s first request for release, citing only “fair” conduct and “poor” programing in the prison.
As part of the process, the parole board no longer informs interested parties in what Penn is doing in prison, positive or negative.
Patton said that isn’t fair to family members of the victims. He said murder is “the worst thing.”
“I think the survivors should have the ability to know before they decide if they want this person to stay in prison,” Patton said.
He said if he were in the shoes of a family member, before deciding to oppose or support parole, he would want to know if the offender is “trying to make their life right.”
“What they are doing in prison really tells the story whether they are rehabilitation, whether they are remorseful, whether they are willing to be a productive member of society,” Patton said.