In denying release, the parole commissioners said, "You demonstrated little insight into the causes of your criminality."

But last month two parole commissioners decided that she would be freed.

He was appointed parole commissioner of Maryland in 1929 and served until elected to Congress.

Noting also that he used heroin in 2001, the parole commissioners said, "Releasing you to the community would make a mockery of the criminal justice system."

In 1941, Battle began work as a parole commissioner, working with delinquent youths in Harlem.

Battle retired as parole commissioner in 1951 but remained active in community activities for the Harlem area.

"I'm sorry for everything," Ms. Clement, 68, told the parole commissioners.

Three-member panels typically are composed of one board member and two parole commissioners.

"The public is entitled to confidence that when a parole commissioner testifies, he will do so truthfully."

But yesterday, two parole commissioners - not the ones who presided in May - decided that she should be freed.