A federal court has ruled that a child molester sentenced to 197 years in prison isn’t entitled to any earnings set aside to help an inmate upon release.

Timothy Lee Ward, of Tucson, has waged a four-year legal battle with the Arizona Department of Corrections (DOC) over $50 taken from his prison paycheck for “walkaway money,” meant to help inmates get transportation and clothing after being released.

Last week, the U.S. District Court in Phoenix said DOC was within its legal rights to withhold the money.

Ward, 33, had argued that since he will most likely die in prison, he should have his walkaway money now.

Each working state inmate has 25 percent of each paycheck set aside in a dedicated discharge account up to $50, according to court records.

In 1999, Ward was convicted of 22 felonies including child molestation, sexual conduct with a minor and furnishing obscene material.

According to DOC’s Web site, Ward worked as a porter for 34 cents an hour until becoming a welder for 14 cents an hour last month. —

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