Culver commutes two sentences; inmates eligible for parole

In his final hours in office, Gov. Chet Culver commuted the sentences of Iowa inmates Sheila Mae Schertz and John H. Lowery making them eligible for parole.

In Schertz's case, Culver's decision was based in part on disparities in her sentencing, as well as her deteriorating health. Schertz was serving a life sentence for first-degree kidnapping without an opportunity for parole.

In the other case, Culver felt that the mandatory sentence handed down to Lowery was overly harsh. Lowery was serving a 25-year term for first-degree robbery which included a mandatory minimum sentence.

“I am passionate about ensuring that people who break the laws serve their time and that the public safety is protected,” Culver said Jan. 14. “But there also is a time for fairness, and common sense about the use of taxpayer dollars on our corrections system. In these two cases, there is no question in my mind that they both deserve to have their sentences commuted. It's my belief these actions meet all of these interests.”

Both cases go back to the parole board for consideration.

These were the first sentences commuted by Culver in his four-year term that ended when Gov. Terry Branstad was sworn in Friday morning.