Oldhorn given 15 years for probation violation

POLSON – Clifford Oldhorn, the man who in February was released from prison after having a century-long deliberate homicide conviction reversed, was given a 15-year sentence with no time suspended on Wednesday for probation violations committed within days of his release.

After hearing testimony and cross-examination of multiple sources, Lake County District Court Judge C.B. McNeil found that Oldhorn’s record of parole violations and persistent disciplinary hearings while in prison warranted the sentence, which was hotly contested by the defendant’s legal counsel. The violations were tied to three past felony convictions of Oldhorn's.

During Wednesday's hearing, Oldhorn’s parole officer, Cole Brilz, indicated that on Feb. 15 he discovered forbidden items such as ammunition and a hunting knife while performing a routine inspection of the home where Oldhorn was staying.

Oldhorn also admitted to consuming alcohol following his release – another breach of his parole conditions.

Only hours after Brilz’ inspection, Oldhorn called police fearing for his life, saying that relatives of the man he was once charged with killing were trying to stab him. Oldhorn has been in custody at the Lake County Detention Facility since then, and will receive credit for the time served.