Tell Us: What Parole Conditions Would You Recommend for Frederick Merrill?

The relocation of a man to Tolland with a violent past, but who has finished his time confined to a state prison, has elicited strong reactions from residents.

Upon hearing the news that Frederick R. Merrill, 66, also know as the Peanut Butter Bandit, would be moving in to his sister's house, some questioned the decision by the state Board of Pardons and Paroles to release him into the general community. 

Merrill is a career criminal having been convicted of various serious crimes from rape and burglary to escaping from custody and assaulting public safety officers. He was granted parole in June 2012 by the state board that considers such requests. Merrill was released from prison in October 2012 and had been residing at a treatment facility in Middletown until moving to Tolland. 

While certain aspects of the conditions for Merrill's release from a state correctional facility are private, some are not.

This week, Department of Correction officials said that Merrill will be fitted with a GPS device for around the clock monitory, he must register as a sexual offender and check-in with his parole officers once a week.

Parole board Executive Director John DeFeo said that in addition to standard parole requirements, Merrill might be subject to other requirements if people petition the board to include new conditions.

"At this point they haven’t asked us to add any conditions … it doesn’t mean they won’t, it just means that they haven’t just yet," DeFeo said earlier this week. 

If you were to petition the board, what parole conditions would you recommend for Merrill? Please note, any suggestion of violence will not be tolerated. Be thoughtful when sharing your suggestions.