Oklahoma officials advance review of failure-to-protect case

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has voted to advance its review of a woman’s request for commutation of her 30-year prison sentence for failing to protect her children from abuse.

The Oklahoman reports the board took the action Monday on Tondalao Hall’s request. She’s served 15 years of her sentence over abuse by her former boyfriend, for which he served just two years in jail.

The board’s decision moves Hall’s case to a second stage of review of her request to have her prison sentence modified.

The board has twice rejected Hall’s previous commutation requests. Megan Lambert of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma, who is helping Hall with her current request, says she hopes the board’s action indicates it better understands her case.