Mix-Up Leads To Release Of Inmate

A mix-up may be to blame for a semi-truck driver’s early release from jail. He was convicted of killing Julia Kraus while driving on I-35. 

Johnny Spradlin was serving a one-year sentence at the McClain County Jail until February. Through a plea deal, he was given a 10-year suspended sentence, but he must serve 1 year in jail.

The sheriff's say he was released six months early from jail due to good behavior, a deal the district attorney thought was for another inmate. 

It's been three years since Julia Kraus was killed in a crash on I-35 in McClain County. 

“This is hard for us and we are trying to just put our emotions aside,” Brenda Williams, Kraus’ daughter said.

A probable cause affidavit says 61-year-old Johnny Spradlin was distracted when he crashed into Julia's car killing her and injuring her husband.

“He was released on the 17th,” McClain County Sheriff Landy Offolter said.

McClain County sheriff Landy Offolter said inmates get 2 days served for 1 for good behavior. He said he talked to the assistant district attorney about letting him go early.

“On this case I guess you could say there was a mix up because they thought I was talking about another inmate,” Offolter said.

“We are counting on the district attorney to be looking out for us and fighting for us and our mom and they dropped the ball,” Williams said.

Williams said she found out he was released on her own.

“This is just another stab, another way that the system is working for him, the criminal, instead of us as the victim,” Williams said.

“I’ll apologize to them for the mix-up,” Offolter said.

The sheriff said the original judgment and sentence was vague. An amended one was filed yesterday saying Spradlin must serve day for day.

“He says he is going to turn himself in,” Offolter said.

“I don't feel like he should have extra time to get his affairs in order to come back. I mean we didn't get the extra time to get my mom's affairs in order before she died,” Williams said.

Spradlin will return to the McClain County Jail at some point to serve the second part of his sentence.