Man denied release from prison because of COVID-19 concerns

A federal judge has turned down a Fargo man’s request to be released from prison because of COVID-19 concerns.

Robert Scheiring, 54, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child pornography.

Scheiring believes he’s at high risk for exposure to the virus because of his age and high blood pressure. Scheiring also said that he wants to take care of his elderly father, KVRR-TV reported.

However, 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Ralph Erickson said that while Scheiring’s blood pressure is considered high, it appears to be well controlled, and his weight is not considered obese.

“All in all, Scheiring’s generalized concerns regarding the risk of developing other medical ailments and the risk of contracting COVID-19 while incarcerated fall short of establishing extraordinary and compelling reasons for a sentence reduction” Erickson wrote.