Former Nebraska Corrections Director Bob Houston denied a desire to avoid building a new prison led to purposely miscalculating prison sentences to release inmates early.
During a special legislative hearing at the Capitol, Houston says Governor Dave Heineman never instructed him to avoid building a new prison at all costs. . .
Houston says the Department of Correctional Services held out hope prison over-crowding could be eased in other manners. . .
A miscalculation of sentences, in violation of state Supreme Court rulings, led to the state releasing more than 300 inmates prematurely.
Heineman suspended a number of Corrections Department employees in connection with the miscalculations, and said there may be criminal charges.
