Users Online Now:
2,152
(
Who's On?
)
Visitors Today:
2,148,528
Pageviews Today:
2,985,117
Threads Today:
702
Posts Today:
14,126
10:33 PM
Directory
Adv. Search
Topics
Forum
Back to Forum
Back to Thread
REPLY TO THREAD
Subject
Obama Commutes Another 58 Drug Sentences, Including 18 Lifers
User Name
Font color:
Default
Dark Red
Red
Orange
Brown
Yellow
Green
Olive
Cyan
Blue
Dark Blue
Indigo
Violet
Black
Font:
Default
Verdana
Tahoma
Ms Sans Serif
In accordance with industry accepted best practices we ask that users limit their copy / paste of copyrighted material to the relevant portions of the article you wish to discuss and no more than 50% of the source material, provide a link back to the original article and provide your original comments / criticism in your post with the article.
[quote:Anonymous Coward 72134473:MV8zMTcwNjU3XzU2NjM2Njc1Xzk3MTQwODI4] Mostly cocaine dealers... Here are the names of the 58 prisoners who most recently received commutations, according to the Justice Department: [b]Jasmine Allen – Bunnell, Fla.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; manage or control a residence for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, storing and distributing a controlled substance; distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida Sentence: 235 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (Nov. 5, 2008); amended to 188 months imprisonment (Feb. 29, 2016) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Timothy Antjuan Augustus – Hampton, Va.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] base and cocaine; Eastern District of Virginia Sentence: 210 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (March 1, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Shannon Lee Blake – Phoenix, Ariz.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute [color=cyan]methamphetamine[/color]; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Wyoming Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release; $1,000 fine (July 2, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2018. [b]Steven Bernard Boyd – Augusta, Ga.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess [color=red]cocaine[/color] and cocaine base with intent to distribute; distribution of cocaine hydrochloride (three counts); possession of cocaine and cocaine base with intent to distribute; Southern District of Georgia Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Sept. 29, 1998) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Donald Brooks – West Point, Ga.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of [color=red]cocaine[/color] and at least 50 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of Georgia Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Oct. 18, 2002) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Eddie Brown – D.C.[/b] Offense: Unlawful possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; District of Columbia Sentence: Life imprisonment (Sept. 20, 1990) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2017. [b]Charles C. Brown – Providence, R.I.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base; District of Rhode Island Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (May 20, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Aundra Coats – Cleveland[/b] Offense: Distribution of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; Northern District of Ohio Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (June 21, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Jacob George Colbert – Richmond, Calif.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; District of Minnesota Sentence: 235 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (Dec. 8, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2018. [b]Dwayne Berman Cooper – Miami[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess [color=red]cocaine[/color] with intent to manufacture cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of cocaine with intent to manufacture cocaine base; Middle District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Aug. 27, 1996) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Marion Clarence Cooper – Miami[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and aiding and abetting; District of South Carolina Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Nov. 12, 1996) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Vernon Copeland – Smyrna, Ga.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color]; laundering of monetary instruments (three counts); Northern District of Georgia Sentence: 360 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (May 19, 1992) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Wade Cutchen – Newport News, Va.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin and [color=red]cocaine[/color]; possession with intent to distribute heroin; Eastern District of Virginia Sentence: 324 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (Sept. 15, 2000); amended to 262 months imprisonment (May 19, 2015) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Feb. 2017. [b]Roberto Antonio Davila – San Antonio, Tex.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute [color=green]marijuana[/color]; distribution of marijuana and aiding and abetting said offense; Western District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; three years supervised release (Feb. 28, 1995) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Efrem Rahoman Douglas – Knoxville, Tenn.[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; Eastern District of Tennessee Sentence: 300 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Sept. 19, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Thomas Farmer – Cincinnati, Ohio[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; Eastern District of Kentucky Sentence: Life imprisonment (Dec. 7, 1995) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2017. [b]Roy Geer – Tavanier, Fla.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to import [color=red]cocaine[/color]; attempt to import cocaine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Florida Sentence: 252 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release, $8,500 fine (May 24, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Christopher Gulley – Pensacola, Fla.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] and cocaine base; Northern District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (June 12, 1996) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Jamal Hanson – Temple Hills, Md.[/b] Offense: 1. Distribution of 50 grams or more of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; District of Columbia. 2. Possession of contraband in federal prison; District of New Jersey Sentence: 1. 262 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (Aug. 2, 2002); 2. Eight months imprisonment (July 16, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Antonio Nicholas Hill – Taylors, S.C.[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; District of South Carolina Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (June 15, 2006) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Carla Yvette Holte – Largo, Fla.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; Middle District of Florida Sentence: 262 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (Nov. 2, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2018. [b]Corey D. Howard – Indianapolis[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute in excess of five kilograms of [color=red]cocaine[/color] (mixture); Southern District of Indiana Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release; $2,000 fine (Feb. 9, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]George Howard Jones – Raleigh, N.C.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] base and cocaine; Eastern District of North Carolina Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Aug. 22, 1996) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Joseph John Jones – Tarpon Springs, Fla.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture containing [color=red]cocaine[/color] and 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Aug. 6, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Twaine Jones – Washington Park, Ill.[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color]; possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; Southern District of Illinois Sentence: 360 months imprisonment; five years supervised release, $5,000 fine (Nov. 6, 2000); amended to 324 months imprisonment (Oct. 29, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Abbas Rauf Kareem – Daytona Beach, Fla.[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; Middle District of Florida Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (June 12, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2018. [b]Kenneth W. Kemp – Guttenberg, N.J.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (three counts); did cause interstate travel in aid of racketeering (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine; distribution of cocaine; Eastern District of Virginia Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years supervised release (April 11, 1994) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Tomma Jean Kent – Des Moines[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute [color=cyan]methamphetamine[/color]; Southern District of Iowa Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Sept. 21, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2018. [b]Rick Lee Lamere – Bellingham, Wash.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess [color=cyan]methamphetamine [/color]with intent to distribute; District of Montana Sentence: 460 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Jan. 13, 2005); amended to 320 months imprisonment, 10 years supervised release (Jan. 11, 2007) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2018. [b]Ohara Linear Laws – Houston[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; Southern District of Texas Sentence: 282 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Sept. 19, 2003); amended to 240 months imprisonment (May 8, 2008) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Larry Lewis – Pensacola, Fla.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Florida Sentence: 360 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release; $1,000 fine (Oct. 20, 1999); amended to 324 months imprisonment (June 18, 2006); amended to 262 months imprisonment (July 2, 2015) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2017. [b]Trevis Love – Harriman, Tenn.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of [color=red]cocaine[/color]; Eastern District of Tennessee Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (June 27, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Leonard Mason – Claymont, Del.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of [color=red]cocaine[/color]; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Pennsylvania Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release; $2,500 fine (Feb. 2, 2011) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Christopher Dale Masters – Broken Bow, Okla.[/b] Offense: Maintaining a place for purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and using [color=cyan]methamphetamine[/color]; Eastern District of Oklahoma Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; three years supervised release (March 10, 2005); amended to 235 months imprisonment (Feb. 29, 2016) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Stanford Mathis – Valdosta, Ga.[/b] Offense: Distribution of more than 50 grams of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; Middle District of Georgia Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Dec. 18, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Maurice Matthews – Katy, Tex.[/b] Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; Eastern District of Louisiana Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (April 29, 2009) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Michael Tyree Mays – North Las Vegas, Nev.[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color]; Central District of California Sentence: 360 months imprisonment; eight years supervised release (May 13, 1999) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2018. [b]Javier Mendoza – Pharr, Tex.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of [color=red]cocaine[/color]; possession with intent to distribute 1,264 kilograms of cocaine; Southern District of Texas Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Aug. 25, 1998) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2018. [b]Jerome Lee Menefee – Montgomery, Ala.[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; Central District of California Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Oct. 24, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Michelle Miles – Brooklyn, N.Y.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute [color=darkred]heroin[/color] and [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of New York Sentence: 360 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (March 24, 2000) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Troy Lamar Morton – Iron Station, N.C.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color], [color=cyan]methamphetamine[/color], and [color=green]marijuana[/color]; Western District of North Carolina Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Nov. 18, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2018. [b]Cintheia Denise Parra – Memphis, Tenn.[/b] Offense: Possess with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of [color=cyan]methamphetamine[/color]; Northern District of Mississippi Sentence: 235 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (Sept. 21, 2006); amended to 188 months imprisonment (March 18, 2015) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Gerardo Gilberto Rivera – Brownsville, Tex.[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 11.02 kilograms of [color=cyan]methamphetamine[/color]; Southern District of Texas Sentence: 235 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (June 8, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Jessie Lee Robinson – Jefferson City, Mo.[/b] Offense: Distribution of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Missouri Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Nov. 15, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 5, 2018. [b]Alberto A. Rosales Sr. – Miami, Fla.[/b] Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; importation of [color=green]marijuana[/color]; attempted importation of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute [color=darkred]heroin[/color] (three counts); Southern District of Florida Sentence: 85 years imprisonment; three years special parole (March 29, 1989); amended to 70 years imprisonment (Oct. 28, 1992) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Artrez Nyroby Seymour – Chicago Heights, Ill.[/b] Offense: Narcotics conspiracy; Northern District of Illinois Sentence: 300 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Sept. 21, 2005); amended to 240 months imprisonment (March 3, 2016) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Larry Simmons – Savannah, Ga.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 50 grams of crack [color=red]cocaine[/color]; distribution of more than five grams of crack cocaine (two counts); Southern District of Georgia Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (April 21, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Lavelle Span – Milwaukee[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; distribution of cocaine base (two counts); Western District of Wisconsin Sentence: 372 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (May 26, 1999) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Jerome Clarence Sumral – Los Angeles[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of [color=cyan]methamphetamine[/color]; District of Hawaii Sentence: 20 years imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (June 20, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Golden Sutton – Henderson, Ky.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; Southern District of Indiana Sentence: 300 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Oct. 28, 2002) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]John Herbert Talley – Chattanooga, Tenn.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; use of a communications facility to wit: the telephone, to facilitate the commission a felony (two counts); Eastern District of Tennessee Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Dec. 4, 1995) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Derrick Terry – Chicago, Il.[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; Northern District of Illinois Sentence: 262 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (Jan. 29, 2003) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]David Anthony Trotter – Pensacola, Fla.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute [color=red]cocaine[/color] base; Northern District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Oct. 15, 1993) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Jedrek W. Underwood – Houston[/b] Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of [color=red]cocaine[/color] base and aiding and abetting; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Texas Sentence: 240 months imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (March 8, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Chela H. Urbina – Boynton Beach, Fla.[/b] Offense: 1. Conspiracy to import [color=red]cocaine[/color]; importation of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine (Southern District of Florida); 2. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics (Southern District of New York) Sentence: 1. 360 months imprisonment; five years supervised release (Nov. 14, 1995); 2. 27 months imprisonment (concurrent); three years supervised release (May 1, 1997) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Fulton Leroy Washington – Compton, Calif.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture phencyclidine; possession of piperidinocyclohexane-carbonitrile with intent to manufacture [color=blue]PCP[/color]; attempt to manufacture PCP; Central District of California Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years supervised release (Oct. 10, 1997) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Bill Westcott – Candler, N.C.[/b] Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of [color=red]cocaine[/color]; Middle District of Florida Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years supervised release (Dec. 19, 1991) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [b]Wayland Thomas Wilson – Dallas[/b] Offense: Conspiracy; use of a communication facility (three counts); money laundering and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas Sentence: 444 months imprisonment; three years supervised release; $25,000 fine (Nov. 12, 1993) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on Sept. 2, 2016. [/quote]
Original Message
By ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — More than a decade ago, a judge bemoaned that the life sentence she was about to impose on Charles C. Brown was overly harsh. This week, relief finally came to Brown, along with 57 other offenders.
President Barack Obama on Thursday commuted their prison terms as part of a broader push to revamp the criminal justice system and ease punishments for nonviolent drug convicts.
Eighteen of the 58 had been given life sentences and some have already spent more than decades in prison. Most are now due for release on Sept. 2. Others will be released over the next two years.
The latest wave — among them defendants convicted of either possessing or dealing cocaine, crack and methamphetamine — brings to 306 the number of people granted clemency by Obama, the vast majority for drug crimes. The administration has said the pace of commutations is expected to increase as the end of Obama's presidency nears.
The prisoners given commutations have been "granted a second chance to lead productive and law-abiding lives," said Deputy Attorney General Sally Quillian Yates.
"Our clemency work is continuing as part of our broader efforts to effectuate criminal justice reform and ensure fairness and proportionality in sentencing," Yates said.
Brown, a Rhode Island man, was sentenced in 2004 to life in prison on crack cocaine charges. The judge in the case, Mary Lisi, lamented during the sentencing hearing that federal law left her with "no choice" but to impose the life sentence because of the amount of crack involved and because of his prior convictions. She said the sentence was not what she would have imposed if it was up to her.
With Thursday's announcement, Brown's sentence now ends on Sept. 2.
The Obama administration has sought to reduce the prison population by encouraging shorter sentences and alternatives to prison for nonviolent criminals. It has supported legislation in Congress that would encourage judges to hand out lesser sentences more lenient than the federal mandatory minimums.
And under a 2013 initiative known as "Smart on Crime," the Justice Department directed prosecutors to limit their use of mandatory minimum sentences, which closely tie the length of punishment to drug quantity.
In a statement Thursday accompanying the announcement, Obama said, "It just doesn't make sense to require a nonviolent drug offender to serve 20 years, or in some cases, life, in prison."
"An excessive punishment like that doesn't fit the crime. It's not serving taxpayers, and it's not making us safer," he added.
The Justice Department revamped the clemency process two years ago to encourage more applications from federal offenders. The administration broadened the criteria for eligible inmates, soliciting petitions from inmates who were convicted of nonviolent crimes, had served at least 10 years of their sentences and had been well behaved behind bars, among other considerations.
But advocates have repeatedly expressed concerns about what they term the slow pace of that process, saying it has denied thousands of deserving candidates a fair shot at an early release.
"I am pleased by today's news, but I know that for every prisoner whose sentence the president commuted today, there are a hundred more who are equally worthy," said Mary Price, general counsel of Families Against Mandatory Minimums.
___
Follow Eric Tucker at [
link to www.twitter.com
]
___
This story has been corrected to show that 306 is the number of people granted clemency, not just commutation of sentence.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
[
link to www.usnews.com
]
[
link to www.youtube.com (secure)
]
Pictures (click to insert)
General
Politics
Bananas
People
Potentially Offensive
Emotions
Big Round Smilies
Aliens and Space
Friendship & Love
Textual
Doom
Misc Small Smilies
Religion
Love
Random
View All Categories
|
Next Page >>