(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad today (Thursday) denied 18 applications for the commutation of prison sentences. Five prisoners who committed crimes in western and southwest Iowa were among those whose requests were denied. They include:

• 43-year old James W. Bettis, who committed his crime on September 6, 1988, in Page County. He is currently a life sentence for first-degree murder.

• 34-year old James Eaglefeather, who committed his crimes on October 6, 1998, in Pottawattamie County. He is currently serving a term of incarceration not to exceed twenty-five years for Robbery – 1st degree, 85%.

• 39-year old Danny Ray Long, who committed his crimes on or about December 11th and 18th, 1998, in Pottawattamie County. He is currently serving a term of incarceration not to exceed fifty years for two counts of Robbery – 1st degree, 85%.

• 46-year old Steven G. Sempek,  who committed his crimes on April 1, 1998, in Pottawattamie County. He is currently serving a 100-year sentence for six counts of Sexual Abuse in the second-degree (85%).

• 58-year old Simon C. Tunstall committed his crime on August 31, 1986, in Woodbury County. He is currently serving a life sentence for first-degree murder.