The Battle         

The Battle to Defend Detective Mayborne's Service and Honor

For nearly 30 years Detective Michael Mayborne's family has fought the release of career criminal and Inmate #C02070 Theodore Bacino. Years of petitions, testifying at parole hearings and letters to State Officials. Years of a on going nightmare and painful memories.

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.
  • Homeowner on a policeman's mid 70's small salary.
  • 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".

Theodore Bacino:

  • Dishonorably Discharged from the service for petty theft. 
  • Career criminal - in 1960'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.
  • Known gambling problem.
  • 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, the 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.

    So why does Inmate Bacino #C02070 receive such attention and compassion regarding his status as a convicted criminal? Why do special interest groups and powers in Government respect his incarceration more then the service of Officer Mayborne? Why do they listen to a career criminal and convicted murderer instead of the victims of his crimes? Answers our Government Officials and some PRB members should provide the general public.

    When Inmate Bacino speaks certain members of the Parole Board listen. When Inmate Bacino lies about the crime and claims to have found God, they believe him. When Inmate Bacino tells them he is a changed man, some parole board members publicly support his release. Even the PRB Chairman. 

    Sadly, Detective Mayborne cannot speak or defend his honor. When Officer Mayborne's family wants to speak for him, no one in judgment listens. Why? 

    In some of the Parole Board Members minds, they too must know Officer Mayborne took the high road in life. They too know he was a good man and a defender of the community. They must also know, Mike's family is right and Inmate Bacino should pay for his terrible crimes. So why then do they have problems all voting NO for parole? 

    Nearly half of the Parole Board members vote YES for parole. Vote YES to let a murderer free after only serving 1/3 of his sentence. They vote YES only because Officer Mayborne cannot speak for himself. He cannot defend his own honor and service personally. He cannot tell them what really happened that day. They vote YES and openly dishonor all we hold true and respect about our country and public servants. They vote YES and dishonor Officer Mayborne's service to his nation, to his community and his family.

    In 2007 the PRB vote on Inmate Bacino's status was 7 "NO PAROLE" and 6 "YES votes for PAROLE". We as the friends of Mike Mayborne we wish to commend the PRB members strong enough to understand this man must never go free. They obviously understand letting this man free would be a dishonor to Mike's service and a danger to our community.  

    But the remaining members that vote YES are simply afraid to vote NO. We have to help them not to be afraid of outside pressures to release this killer. We have to help them understand and realize the lies this Inmate continues to tell. We concerned citizens have to make the remaining PRB members realize, we demand this career criminal stay behind bars for the rest of his natural life. 

    We have to help them all vote NO for parole and to honor Officer Mayborne along with all the other Police Officers killed while defending their communities. "Officers Killed in the Line of Duty" 

    We have to help them vote NO by making them understand any other decision is utterly wrong and against what all of us know is right. "May God Bless all of our Law Enforcement Officers"

    To help options:

    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/

      IL 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, Currently resides: Dixon Correctional Facility, Dixon, IL

    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.

    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/

     

    All will help greatly and ensure justice will be served. These actions will not return Mike but will help others. Your support will send a clear message to our State Government, we put our Law Enforcement Officers first and we expect NOTHING less.

    Thank you and God Bless

    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

Minutes of 2007 IL PRB EN BANC Session Regarding Inmate C02070 Bacino

2007 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 6-7

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

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."



What Detective Mayborne missed in
Life because of Theodore Bacino
"something the IL Prisoner Review Board should consider"

  • Watching his two young daughters, Kim and Jenny grow up and become women.
  • 33 years with his loving family and friends.
  • 33 Wedding anniversaries with his wife Terry.
  • 33 Christmas celebrations with his family.
  • 33 Thanksgiving dinners, which he loved so much.
  • 33 Birthdays of his two daughters, Kim & Jen.
  • Daughter Kimberly’s Marriage and giving his oldest away.
  • Life with his new Son-in-Law, Mike Spehar
  • Daughter Jennifer’s Marriage and giving his youngest away.
  • Life with his new Son-in-Law, John Sutkay
  • The birth of his 5 grand kids, Marie, Joey, Maggie, Mya & Johnny.
  • The birthdays of his 5 grand kids.
  • The golden years with his parents, Eva and Les
  • The years of fishing with buddies or diving with comrades.
  • Taking his Grand Kids fishing or to the ball game
  • Watching his grand children play sports, dance or gymnastics.
  • Years of service in Law Enforcement.
  • Years of friendship with fellow officers.
  • Possible promotions within the department.
  • The countless feelings of achievement you get when buying a new car, big screen TV, a bigger home or something for your family.
  • The satisfaction you get when you reach your goals in life.
  • The annual family camping trips and vacations.
  • The death of his Mother.
  • Just sitting in his easy chair and enjoying his favorite TV show.
  • Navy reunions with his old submarine buddies.
  • The growth of his Department and all the new technology.
  • He missed marriage, fatherhood, brotherhood, best friendships and the very best years in life.

  • All because a career two-bit crook needed a few bucks.
     
    "This is Why We Fight"

    Commentary by: Ken Anderson

   

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