PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Oregon Department of Corrections is under fire over claims that the agency prematurely released a “dangerous sex offender” from custody.

Jackson County District Attorney Patrick Green filed a contempt order against the department on Monday, alleging that officials discharged Joaquin Cowart four years ahead of schedule. Court documents state that the man, who has several sex abuse charges dating back to 2000, was convicted on four counts of second-degree sexual abuse in 2021.

Records show that Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Tim Barnack sentenced Cowart to four consecutive 3-year terms in prison, one for each count of sexual abuse, with potential to earn a credit for time served. The District Attorney’s Office is arguing that only a singular time-served cred

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