Pubdate: Sat, 12 Feb 2011
Source: Tulsa World (OK)
Copyright: 2011 World Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.tulsaworld.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/463
Author: Ginnie Graham

DRUGS LAND MANY WOMEN IN PRISON

Emily Linville grew up hearing how to illegally call in a drug 
prescription. It was that knowledge that landed her, a sister and 
their mother in Tulsa County's Drug Court at the same time. But, only 
Linville has graduated from Drug Court.

Her sister, Mary Beth Linville, 25, violated program rules and was 
sent to prison in January to serve four years for prescription drug 
fraud and bogus checks.

Their mother, Mary Kathleen Linville, 52, was charged Dec. 16 with 
four counts on attempting to obtain prescription drugs by fraud. Her 
previous convictions include prescription drug fraud in 2007 and 2008 
and an escape from prison. In 2004, she was convicted in Creek County 
of prescription drug fraud.

"It makes me angry and sad because it's not like they are facing 
anything bigger than what I have," said Linville, 20. "If I can do 
it, they can."

Drug-related offenses account for about 12 percent of arrests among 
females in Oklahoma, while about 50 percent of women in prison are 
there on drug-related convictions, according to federal and state crime data.

The average sentence in the state for women in drug-related 
convictions is 5 1/2 years, according to a Tulsa World analysis of 
prison sentences since 2000.

Drug court participation in Oklahoma has increased from about 1,500 
in 2005 to about 4,200 currently, as more counties add programs.

In Sunday's World, read more of the latest installment in a 
continuing series of stories in which Oklahoma Watch, the Tulsa World 
and The Oklahoman are examining the issue of Oklahoma's female 
incarceration rate.

Continuing coverage on Oklahoma's women in prison : Read related 
stories, watch videos, view graphics and learn more about Oklahoma Watch. 
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom