9 Investigates

9 Investigates: Family pushes for inmate's release after clerical error

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A clerical error allowed a Florida inmate to be released from prison 18 months before his sentence was set to end, 9 Investigates reporter Karla Ray discovered.

Christopher Tanzler was convicted of aggravated battery with a weapon in 2007. He served 8 1/2 years in prison and became a free man on May 12, but the next day, he was booked into the Seminole County Jail, where he waits for a hearing to determine whether he will be sent back to state prison.
Meanwhile, his family is fighting for his release, which they say he was promised

Raw: Father discusses son who was wrongly released from prison

”It has been the most gut-wrenching thing we have ever been through. This should not happen to people. This should not happen,” said Tanzler’s father, Mike Tanzler.
Tanzler's family traveled to a Gainesville work release center two weeks ago to take Christopher Tanzler home.
For the last five years, Christopher thought he was being released from his 10-year sentence early due to “gain time” earned through good behavior.
“Then, to rip our heart out after one day, to say, ‘Nope. It was a mistake. You need to go back,’” said Mike Tanzler.
Officials said Christopher Tanzler’s 2008 sentencing paperwork failed to include information about a mandatory 10-year sentence, due to the use of a firearm (the butt of a shotgun) in the original crime.
Christopher Tanzler’s long-anticipated early release was a mistake.            
“Not only did we think he was a free man, we know he's a changed man,” said Mike Tanzler.
Christopher Tanzler’s family plans to ask a judge to let him finish his sentence through community control, with an ankle monitor at home instead of behind bars, since the clerical error wasn't his fault.
“We need to make sure this doesn't happen to other people. I can't tell you how this has ruptured our hearts. This is cruel and unusual punishment,” said Mike Tanzler.

Christopher Tanzler's hearing is on Tuesday.

Cox Media Group

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