Judge: Iowa inmate's suit against parole board can continue

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - An Iowa judge has ruled that an inmate serving a life sentence for stabbing and raping a woman in 1981 can continue with his lawsuit against the Iowa Board of Parole.

Blair Greiman, 49, sued after repeatedly being denied a chance for a parole since becoming eligible in 2012. Greiman says in his lawsuit that the parole board's denials are unconstitutional, pointing to a 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that says states must give inmates sentenced to life as juveniles for non-homicide crimes a meaningful opportunity for release.

State attorneys asked for the lawsuit to be thrown out, arguing that the Supreme Court ruling doesn't apply to parole boards, only sentencing judges, The Des Moines Register (http://dmreg.co/1CjVDB5 ) reported.

But on Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pratt said Greiman's lawsuit can proceed.

"It appears clear that, at least under the facts of this case, the responsibility for ensuring that Plaintiff receives his constitutionally mandated meaningful opportunity to obtain release based on demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation' lies squarely with the Iowa Board of Parole," Pratt wrote.

Greiman was 16 years old in December 1981 when he kidnapped a woman from a Mason City parking lot. He raped the woman at his family's home, stabbed her and left her along a roadside. In appeals filed with the board of parole, Greiman has said he has been a positive influence on other prisoners and has sought counseling and sex offender treatment.

The former county attorney who prosecuted Greiman, Richard Tompkins Jr., has said he believes Greiman is "bright," but should remain behind bars. Tompkins told the Register that Greiman's victim has led a difficult life since the kidnapping and attack.

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Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com