Research Follow-up
Dr. Robard’s Recidivism Rate
(Documents searched: 36 NJ prison records, 36 Trenton PD files [no investigation files], 36 Clinton House Records, 36 FBI personnel files)
Unfortunately, calculating Dr. Robard’s Recidivism Rate in relation to the local, state, and national levels is fraught with problems. During the mid 1970′s, all states, incluing New Jersey started mandatory sentencing policies and removed many discretionary parole options. At the same many programs, including halfway houses such as Clinton House, were being started. A great deal of experimentation in prisoner re-entry was occurring. In addition, a larger and larger population of the prisoner re-entry population can best be described as “churners”–criminals intent on committing crimes and returning to prison shortly after being released.
However, we have compared Dr. Robard’s Recidivism Rate before and after the τ event with that of the local, state, and nation. Detailed statistical analysis shows a R coefficient of 0.04; showing no correlation between the event and any noted changes in criminal recidivism. His yearly recidivism rate has generally been better than New Jersey’s rate.
Dr. Robard’s Public Record
While Dr. Robard had a 35 year as a public servant with the State of New Jersey, he doesn’t have a large record of public speaking. It is likely he spoke at a fair amount of gatherings, his speeches themselves were not recorded. Written records of parole board hearings and official testimony show no record of a dramatic shift in opinion before and after the τ event. Dr. Robard’s official testimony indicates a religious conservative and an intellectual. He appears to be well respected by the parole boards and his peers. His relationship with his charges is more difficult to determine, but generally seems to be positive.
Liuhua’s Research
Looking into the case files she finds the following Robert McNussen, John Lange, Juan Delmora, and Willis Stewart were all arrested around the same time (10 months) for Murder, Kidnapping, and Rape. Jerome Montagna was arrested twice: once for Drug Trafficking (2yrs) and once for Assault & Battery (5 hrs). 8 months after release both Joseph Zeffecziowsi (Assault, Rape, Drunk & Disorderly Conduct) and Antwaan Beredea (Drug Trafficking, Extortion, Racketeering) were arrested. Felipe Ortega was arrested 3 years after release for Murder, Assault.
In addition, she opines, one could presume several knew each other from prison, though there is no evidence they knew each other prior to prison. Jerome Montagna and Felipe Ortega were incarcerated at Bayside State Prison. The others at Northern State Prison.
Frank is excited at the findings and begins to look at the case files of the first four and finds some interesting facts:
- All were arrested for the murder, kidnapping, and rape of Sharon Edward
- Willis and Juan on Fri 20 Jan 78 at Clinton House in Trenton
- John and Robert on Sat 21 Jan 78 at the Americas Best Value Inn Cherry Hill
- They were also arrested for the kidnapping of Tabitha Brooks. Those charges were dropped.
An interesting coincidence
Also of note in reading the case files, Frank notices the arrest was made because of a call from Mr. Gerry Butler of Philadelphia. His tip made on 12:05AM on Jan 19, 1979 alerted the NJ State Police of a “woman’s scream. Like she was dying.” The resultant investigation turned up evidence of kidnapping, rape and murder of Sharon Edward. Tabitha Brooks’ body was never found. Because there was only circumstantial evidence linking John and Willis to Tabitha the jury ruled him innocent of those charges. John was arrested with Robert at 10:24 PM in Cherry Hills, by the Cherry Hills PD.
