Criminal Justice Fellows, 2004-2005

Mary Zahn
Investigative Reporter
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Mary Zahn has been a reporter for the Milwaukee Sentinel and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel since June 1972. She has specialized in investigative and enterprise reporting with an emphasis on public policy issues. Among the many awards Zahn has received is the 2001 Clark Mollenhoff Award for Excellence in Investigative Reporting for a series of stories on conditions within the state prison system. Her stories have frequently resulted in changes in state laws, bureaucratic shake-ups and criminal charges being filed. They have run the gamut from the history of the Milwaukee Mafia to elderly dying due to neglect in assisted living facilities. Zahn is a 1972 graduate of the University of Wisconsin.

• Tougher sentencing law carries hefty price; Estimated $1.8 billion through 2025
• Door on early release closes tightly; Even inmates near death often find sentencing law unyielding
• Once released, inmates find little help; Resources remain scarce for those striving to restart
• Another road to justice; Programs seek to change offenders' thinking, behavior
  • Chart
• Story Behind the Story

Back