Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the U.S. District Court Decision

Governor Chafee today reviewed a decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island affirming the Governor’s lawful right to refuse the request by federal prosecutors to transfer Jason Pleau to federal custody. After carefully evaluating arguments by both Pleau’s attorney and federal prosecutors, the Court nevertheless today issued a writ of habeas corpus ordering the transfer.

“Given Rhode Island’s longstanding opposition to the death penalty, I could not in good conscience voluntarily turn over any citizen of this state to another jurisdiction where a sentence of death could be imposed. This is particularly true where exposure to the death penalty appears to be the sole motivation for the transfer. Now that a federal judge has had an opportunity to hear argument from the parties, has considered the important principles of federalism at stake, and has issued a comprehensive order, I respect the process and have no objections to the writ. When the Department of Justice reviews this case to determine whether the death penalty is appropriate, I remain confident that Rhode Island’s steadfast opposition to the death penalty will be taken into account.”

Pursuant to a May 17, 2011 letter from John Hardiman, Pleau’s Public Defender, to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, Pleau has already agreed to plead guilty to murder charges and accept the ultimate sentence under state law – life in prison without possibility of parole.