Quinn says he didn’t ask details of early release inmates who went back to prison

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says he didn't know why 48 inmates released early were back in prison when he talked about them last week -- and he didn't ask.

Quinn stopped a secret early release program known as MGT Push and announced that 48 of 1,700 inmates set free early were back behind bars because they violated parole rules.

The Associated Press found that at least 17 violated parole by committing violent crimes like attempted murder and armed robbery.

Quinn said Friday he never asked Corrections officials what the violations were.

The Democrat wouldn't say whether the public should have known about the crimes. He says he stopped the plan quickly and is reforming the prison agency.

Quinn was at an unrelated event in the Chicago suburb of Matteson.