WICHITA, Kan., Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The U.S. criminal justice system needs to become fairer and sentencing "more appropriate," billionaire Charles Koch said, promising to increase funding for reform.
In an interview with the Wichita Eagle, Koch said reform efforts are needed "especially for the disadvantaged."
"Over the next year, we are going to be pushing the issues key to this, which need a lot of work in this country," Koch said. "And that would be freedom of speech, cronyism and how that relates to opportunities for the disadvantaged."
Koch has had experience at the receiving end of the criminal justice system. Koch Industries was indicted in 1995 for alleged environmental violations at an oil refinery in Corpus Christi, Texas. After an expensive legal battle, all but one of the 97 counts were dropped six years later and the company settled the case with a $10 million penalty.
Mark Holden, Koch's chief counsel, said that experience led to Koch contributing to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers so that "the little guy" caught in the justice system would have some protection.
Koch and his brother, David, are best known for giving money to libertarian and conservative causes. But this year, a number of potential Republican candidates have suggested they support efforts to reduce the U.S. prison population and cut sentences for non-violent offenders.
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has been one of the most vocal, pushing for sentencing reform.
The Koch brothers spent $100 million on political campaigns in 2014.
