For Immediate Release: January 8, 2026
Contact: Kenny Matthews, (304)-545-3953
CHARLESTON, WV — The West Virginia Criminal Law Reform Coalition is holding a press conference in the Little Rotunda East (off the California Street side of West Virginia State Capitol) at 10am on Monday, January 12 to underscore the ongoing crisis in our jails, the ineffectiveness of enhanced penalties, and the solutions to persistent overcrowding that the coalition will be advocating for during the 2026 legislative session.
Coinciding with January’s interim meetings of the West Virginia Legislature, speakers at the press conference will highlight policy solutions including second look sentencing and medical respite for aging or sick incarcerated people, as well as challenge the previously announced intent by legislators to enhance penalties. Speakers include Kenny Matthews with the American Friends Service Committee, Jonathan Spence and Teri Castle with the WV REACH Initiative, Seth DiStefano with the WV Center on Budget and Policy, Mary Lister whose son is incarcerated, and Tim DiPiero, a Charleston-based defense attorney.
The press conference will be live-streamed on the WV Criminal Law Reform Coalition Facebook page. Members of the press are welcome and encouraged to attend in person.
WHO: West Virginia Criminal Law Reform Coalition
WHAT: Compassion and Common Sense Press Conference
WHEN: Monday, January 12 at 10am
WHERE: Little Rotunda East, West Virginia State Capitol
WHY: West Virginia has an ongoing crisis in our regional jails and an aging prison population, costing the state millions of tax dollars that could be better invested in diversion and prevention. The coalition’s priorities would save tax dollars and improve the lives of West Virginians through policies that:
1) Reduce incarceration and recidivism;
2) Ease barriers for people in reentry; and
3) Do not enhance penalties that are proven to be ineffective and expensive.
