To the family and friends of Detective Mayborne the mission has clear and lines well defined. On our side, we honor the service, love and friendship of a good man. The other side defends a career criminal who recently claims to have found peace with God and doesn't owe anyone an apology. Maybe it's best to look at each man's history to better understand the situation.
Detective Mike Mayborne:
- US Navy service, 1963-1967, A submariner - a special breed.
- Decides on a career in law enforcement.
- Becomes a Deputy Sheriff at the age of 22.
- Founding member of the Sheriff Departments Bomb and Water Rescue squads.
- Makes Detective at the age of 27 (youngest in department history).
- Family man with wife and two young daughters.
- Teaches swimming to troubled youth at Durand Boys Farm.
- Helps others without concern for himself.
- Dead at the age of 28 - killed in the line of duty.
- Receives highest honor for a Police Officer: "The Medal of Valor".
- Dishonorably Discharged from the US Navy for petty theft.
- Career criminal - in late 1950's found guilty of armed robbery and kidnapping.
- Served sentence in IL Statesville Prison and released on parole about the time Mayborne was getting out of the Navy.
- Decides to rob Poplar Grove State Bank to possibly pay off gambling debits.
- Decides to use a gun during the robbery.
- Takes the Bank President Hostage at gun point.
- Attempts to take another hostage, a Loves Park Barber at gun point.
- Shoots and murders a "on duty" law enforcement officer while attempting to flee.
- Aggravates his single gun shot wound to stay in the hospital and delay jail time and his trial.
- Found guilty of 1st degree murder, Federal Bank Robbery and Kidnapping.
By any means of human measure that we American's apply to the value of ones life and service. We are looking at two polar opposite people. One man has taken the high road in life and the other the lowest road. Both had choices and both men decided a path. One chooses a life based on duty and service, the other a life of crime. Our Nation and citizens value people like Officer Mayborne and not one's who commit violent crimes. Officer Mayborne is a perfect example how many of us want to live our lives. Theodore Bacino is not a person worthy of such honor and respect by any of our normal human traditions and guidelines.
Check this Out
Chicago Tribune story regarding Theodore Bacino and "C" Class inmates: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/chi-parole-special,0,7939324.special
You can see and hear for yourself the words of Theodore Bacino
Commentary by: Ken Anderson
1.) Submit one of our "On-Line" petition forms located on ON-LINE PETITION page.
2.) Write a letter of protest to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board
http://www.state.il.us/prb
Illinois Prisoner Review Board
319 East Madison Street, Suite A
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: 217-782-7273
Fax: 217-524-0012
Mr. JORGE MONTES, Chairman
Inmate Info: #C02070 Theodore Bacino, IND No.: (S) 2348
Crime(s): Murder-1st degree, Federal Bank Robbery, Kidnapping
Sentence date: 12/2/1974 (Sentence: 75-124 years)
Currently resides: Dixon Correctional Facility, Dixon, IL
See below for a sample protest letter - you can copy, and paste this sample on to your own word document.
3.) Write a letter to your local State Representative demanding the law be changed.
4.) Email a letter of support to Mike's family and we will include it with our petitions.
The Friends of Mike Mayborne: mikemayborne@comcast.net
5.) Write a letter of support to Officer Mayborne's department.
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office
650 W. State St.
Rockford, IL 61102-2201
Sheriff: Richard Meyers
http://www.winnebagosheriff.com/
Sample parole protest letter
00/00/2009
Mr. Jorge Montes, Chairman
State of Illinois
Prisoner Review Board
319 E. Madison St., Suite A
Springfield, IL. 62703
Subject: C02070 Theodore Bacino
IND. NO. (S): 2348
Crime: Murder
Sentence Date: 12-2-74
Dear Mr. Montes,
I am writing you today as a concerned citizen to protest the parole of Theodore Bacino. Theodore Bacino chose to sentence Officer Mayborne's family and his community to a lifetime of grief, pain, and suffering, therefore he should and deserves to serve his full sentence in prison.
Mr. Bacino is a cold calculated killer, who believes he taught all Law Enforcement Officers a lesson when he murdered Winnebago County Sheriff Detective Michael E. Mayborne. Theodore Bacino said in his own words, “Kindness killed Michael Mayborne”, not him! Bacino takes no responsibility for his crimes, but passes the blame onto his victims for being “too kind”.
Mr. Bacino CHOSE to rob a bank, he CHOSE to take hostages in two different cities, and he CHOSE to murder a on-duty police officer. He CHOSE his LIFE SENTENCE behind bars. He did NOT choose to stop at committing any one of these crimes when given several opportunities.
We respect the work of the Prisoner Review Board, but feel you need to choose to keep this unremorseful, non-rehabilitated criminal in prison for his life sentence. Bacino’s crimes reach far beyond the limits of the Mayborne family. His crimes affected and CHANGED the lives of hundreds of people. WE STAND UNITED and PRAY Theodore Bacino will be DENIED parole this year and every year to come.
Sincerely,
(your full name, & address)
You can copy this letter and paste on to a word document. Or you can create your own letter of protest
Minutes of 2007 IL PRB EN BANC Session Regarding Inmate C02070 Bacino
2007 Bacino Parole Hearing
Illinois Prisoner Review Board
EN BANC MINUTE SHEET
OPEN SESSION JUNE 15, 2007
Inmate Name: Theodore Bacino IDOC Number & Institution: C02070
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board met in Open En Banc session at 319 East Madison Street, Suite A, Springfield, Illinois, on June 15, 2007, at the 8:00am session to discuss and deliberate parole eligibility for the above referenced inmate.
Members present were: Chairman J. Montes, E. Althoff, E. Bowers, N. Bridges-Mickelson, S. Diaz, R. Dunne, C, Findley, D. Frier, J. Johnson, J. Madison, M. Maxwell, J. Stenson, N. Sula, G. Tyler
Members not present were: B. Dye
Other(s) present: K. Boster, Recording Secretary
Summary of discussion for parole consideration: Mr. Althoff presented a summary of the parole interview and a review of all file materials. Mr. Bacino is 71 year old and serving 75-100 years for murder. He also has a federal conviction for bank robbery, 24 years. Past parole votes were reviewed. Appearing at his interview to offer their support was his wife, pastor, son, and attorney. They offered their support and presented several letters on behalf of parole.
Motion to go to Closed Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/s(c)(18) for deliberation for decision of the Prisoner Review Board. (RD - NBM) Motion approved 13-0
The Board went to Closed Session. The Board returned to Open Session.
Discussion continued: Protest from the Winnebago State's Attorney was discussed and referenced that the negative impact release would have on the victim’s family. Facts of the crime were discussed. Mr. Bacino entered a bank wearing ski masks and at gunpoint then took cash from a teller and abducted the bank president. They then drove and to another location and let the hostage go. They were confronted by a police officer, who Bacino shot and killed. He admitted his crime and stated that he had been drinking. He expressed remorse and guilt.
He has had two strokes and health concerns were noted. He spends much of his time in the geriatric unit. His family history was reviewed. He received a bad conduct discharge from the Marines. His criminal history was reviewed. He was 38 years at the time.
His institutional adjustment has been reviewed. He has received one minor ticket since his transfer to Dixon and he has participated in substance abuse programs. Staff describes him as always willing to help others. His parole plans are with his wife, she has a farm in Illinois and he would collect social security.
It was felt that he is prepared for parole. There is no doubt that parole would deprecate the seriousness of the law and promote disrespect for the law and that he would not recidivate and he would be able to conform to the conditions of parole. Reasons for granting parole are the following. He expressed since remorse and his feeling of guilty was evident. He has served 33 years, which is comparable to other inmates. He has an exceptional institutional adjustment and received one ticket in the last 11 years. He has obtained his GED and receives various accolades from staff. His parole plans are good. His chances or of success are very good at age 71.
Letters from the judge were read and discussed. This was a heinous crime and deserves punishment, the victim was just doing his job. Mr. Bacino described it as "a good man came across a crazy man". This was a two-bit robbery and not premeditated.
Motion to grant parole. (JM - GT)
Discussion: Mr. Dunne noted that he had voted for Mr. Bacino in the past but that was before he could see the dramatic effect it has had on the victim’s family and community. The killing of a police officer deprecates the seriousness of the law and shows incredible disrespect for the law. The extensive protest from law enforcement officials was also discussed. The letter from the sentencing judge was read and it stated unless a clear threat he has not threat to parole.
Some Board members felt that society demands a maximum penalty for crimes against society and place a premium on law enforcement who are carrying out their responsibility. They also notes his age of 38 at the time.
Other members felt that Mr. Bacino shows incredible contrition and takes full responsibility for his crime. He is aging and has good parole plans.
Motion not approved 7-6
PRB Board Members Vote
Members voting in favor of parole:
Findley, Frier, Madison, Sula, Tyler, and Montes
Members against parole:
Althoff, Bowers, Bridges-Mickelson, Diaz, Dunne, Johnson, and Maxwell
2007 Parole denied
"The Board makes a specific finding that the release of victim protest letters could subject a person to actual risk of physical harm." Inmate Name: Theodore Bacino IDOC Number & Institution: C02070 The Illinois Prisoner Review Board met in Open En Banc session at 319 East Madison Street, Suite A, Springfield, Illinois, on June 19, 2008, at the 8:00am session to discuss and deliberate parole eligibility for the above referenced inmate. Members present were: Chairman J. Montes, E. Althoff, E. Bowers, N. Bridges-Mickelson, S. Diaz, R. Dunne, C. Findley, D. Frier, J. Johnson, J. Madison, M. Maxwell, N. Sula, G. Tyler Members not present were: Other(s) present: K. Boster, Recording Secretary Summary of discussion for parole consideration: Mr. Diaz presented a summary of the parole interview and a review of all file materials. Mr. Bacino was interviewed on June 10, 2008. Present at his interview were his family and attorneys. He has served 34 years and is in A grade. His health is poor. Behalf letters were noted, reviewed, and considered. The numerous protest letters were also noted, reviewed, and considered. It was also noted that we received over 1500 protest via email. Mr. Bacino has obtained his GED and food service certificate. He has obtained many accomplishments. He speaks well and is praised for his assistance to staff and his demeanour. He is serving 75-100 years for murder. Facts of the crime were reviewed. They indicate that in March 1974, he and a codefendant entered a bank and took $12,000 at gunpoint. He abducted the bank president and forced him to drive away. The hostage was released and Mr. Bacino abandoned the vehicle. Officers converged on the scene and Bacino was confronted by Detective Mayborne. He shot the detective three times, causing his death. Mr. Bacino was also wounded. He expressed sincere remorse for his crime. He believes that being incarcerated has given him insight. His parole plans are solid and to live on a farm with his wife. She has income from pension and he would get some assistance from a church program. All police killings are not the same and each has different circumstances and degrees of accountability. In this case, the detective told him three times to drop his gun and he rejected that offer and shot and killed the officer. Motion to deny parole that release would deprecate the serious nature of the offense and promote disrespect for the law. (SD – TJ) Motion to go to Closed Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/s(c)(18) for deliberation for decision of the Prisoner Review Board. (RD – TJ ) Motion approved13-0 The Board went to Closed Session. The Board returned to Open Session. Discussion continued: Protest from law enforcement representatives were noted, reviewed, and considered. Since his last hearing, he has received five disciplinary tickets. These tickets were discussed in detail. For some members these were a concern. Other members noted that Bacino requested to go to segregation in order to avoid his housing arrangements. Motion to go to Closed Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/s(c)(18) for deliberation for decision of the Prisoner Review Board. (RD – TJ ) Motion approved13-0 The Board went to Closed Session. The Board returned to Open Session. Discussion continued: Mr. Bacino was 38 at the time and the victim was 28 years old. He is now 72 and has health issued. Some members felt that this was a planned cognizant act that could have been stopped. Other members felt that the disciplinary tickets had been adequately explained, he has good support and is ready to be paroled. Motion approved 9-4 (voting against the motion were members Findley, Frier, Madison, and Montes)
Motion not approved 9-4 2008 Parole denied
Minutes of 2008 IL PRB EN BANC Session Regarding Inmate C02070 Bacino
2008 Bacino Parole Hearing
Illinois Prisoner Review Board
OPEN SESSION JUNE 19, 2008
Copyright . Friends of Mike Mayborne. All rights reserved.
In the loving memory of fallen Sheriff Detective Michael E. Mayborne
