Advertisement

Ohio lawmaker seeks free education for 3 women abducted and held captive

 State Rep. John Barnes Jr. is introducing his Survivors of Abduction Act on Tuesday. It would provide Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight at least $25,000 a year in reparations.
State Rep. John Barnes Jr. is introducing his Survivors of Abduction Act on Tuesday. It would provide Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight at least $25,000 a year in reparations. AP Photo/FBI

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A lawmaker in Ohio wants the state to provide years of relief payments and a free ride to college for three Cleveland women abducted and held in captivity for about a decade.

State Rep. John Barnes Jr. is introducing his Survivors of Abduction Act on Tuesday. It would provide Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight at least $25,000 a year in reparations for the years they were restrained and tuition, fees and living expenses at a public college.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

The Cleveland Democrat says legislators of both parties have expressed support for the bill, which would bear the women’s names and be covered by taxpayers.

Ariel Castro was charged with rape and kidnapping last month after the women dramatically escaped from his Cleveland home. His attorney says he’ll plead not guilty.

Sponsored content

AdChoices