Reps. Cleaver and Graves to DOJ and BOP: Keep Robert Courtney Behind Bars

"Robert Courtney's violent crimes were heinous," the members wrote. "To this day, it's difficult to find anyone in the region that hasn't been impacted, who didn't have a family member, friend, or loved-one stolen from them too soon by Courtney. Through fraud and deceit, he stole precious time from so many. The damage he inflicted on those who trusted him for medical care through his wanton acts of violence for personal gain is immeasurable. As penance for his crimes Courtney should serve no less than the entirety of his sentence behind bars."

You can read the official letter from lawmakers here.

The Department of Justice reversed a prior decision to transfer Courtney to home confinement in 2020 after Graves and Cleaver wrote in opposition. At the time, it was reported the agency was considering the transfer because Courtney was "at minimal risk of recidivating" and out of concern for his health. To that, the members responded, "It should be noted that Courtney had no such concern for the health of the patients under his care."

You can read the official letter from 2020 here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.