June 29th: Fox Files Covers 3-Strikes

	Fox Files (New York) had about a 15 minute segment on California's Three Strikes law which was shown across the nation. Most of the coverage took place at Pleasant Valley State Prison where reporters were allowed in with recording equipment. Considering the CDC policy that has been in place for the last few years, this was a rare phenomenon.
Most of the story focused on Shane Reams who committed a couple of burglaries ten years prior to an aiding and abetting conviction of the sale of $20 of cocaine. Under the 3-strikes law, Shane has received a 25 years-to-life sentence. A few other prisoners serving life sentences for committing non-violent offenses were also interviewed.
	Included in the piece were interviews with Orange County Public Defender Carl Holmes, former OC District Attorney Michael Capizzi, and current OC District Attorney Anthony Rackauckas. Although Rackauckas was not explicit, there was the implied feeling that he would not have charged Shane Reams under the 3-strikes law as Capizzi had done.

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Date last modified: 8/31/99.