A man who kidnapped five women and held them captive in a bunker in his home could be walking free in April. 

John Jamelske has served nearly 18 years in prison and is up for parole next week. Spectrum News sat down with District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick, who prosecuted the case to get his take on the case.

“I cried and I prayed everyday of captivity,” said former Onondaga County Sheriff Kevin Walsh, reading a victim statement in 2003. “I never cried in front of him again after he slapped me so hard he injured my ear. She’s still deaf in that ear. I did everything he asked hoping he would release me”

That year John Jamelske was arrested after his last victim got away long enough to get help. She was 16 years old and was held hostage for seven months. 

“People always ask me ‘Who is the worst person you ever prosecute?’ said Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick. “A bunch of names come to mind, but if people ask me ‘Who the strangest man?’ Only one person comes to mind and that’s John Jamelske.”

Jamelske admitted to sexually abusing five women in a dungeon he built in his home in Dewitt. He was 68 at the time. Now he’s 86 and up for parole.

 “I have no idea what kind of shape he is in health wise, I’m sure the department of corrections will look at it. Is he really going to abduct someone at 86 years old? In Jamelske’s case I wouldn’t put it past him,” said Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick says Jamelske didn’t think there was anything wrong with what he did. He says for that reason and out of respect for the victims, Jamelske should not be granted parole at his first hearing. 

“I don’t want to keep him in prison just to prove a point, but on the other hand there’s an element of justice here. Five women who had their lives ruined by this guy, the minimum is 18. That was the agreed upon sentence. Should he serve the minimum and then be paroled just because he’s old I don’t think so,” said Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick says he’s been in touch with the victims’ attorney, who has contacted the parole board.