President Barack Obama said in a 2014 interview with the New Yorker: “As has been well documented, I smoked pot as a kid, and I view it as a bad habit and a vice, not very different from the cigarettes that I smoked as a young person up through a big chunk of my adult life. I don’t think it is more dangerous than alcohol.” (Andrew Harnik, Associated Press)

Obama commutes sentences of 111 inmates, setting record for a single month

President Obama on Tuesday commuted prison sentences for 111 inmates, the latest in his push to ease harsh penalties given to nonviolent drug offenders.

Obama has been critical of what he has called the “devastating” effects of severe sentences handed down during the country’s war on drugs. He became the first sitting president to visit a federal prison, and spoke there about the importance of “second chances.”

While the pace of commutations he granted had worried activists earlier this year, Obama has made a push in August to give clemency to scores of additional inmates. Earlier this month, Obama commuted the sentences of 214 other inmates, setting a single-day record for his administrationThe 325 commutations he has announced this month are the most from any president in one month, the White House says, and have nearly doubled the total number he has granted while in office. 

“Entire communities have been ravaged where largely men, but some women, are taken out of those communities,” Obama said during a news conference the day after he granted clemency to 214 inmates. “Kids are now growing up without parents. It perpetuates a cycle of poverty and disorder in their lives. It is disproportionately young men of color that are being arrested at higher rates, charged and convicted at higher rates, and imprisoned for longer sentences.”

Obama said that he hoped the bipartisan push for criminal justice reform could wind up weighing how to fight crime alongside “the need for proportionality in sentencing and the need to rehabilitate those who commit crimes.”

This latest round announced Tuesday by the White House pushes the total number of commutations Obama has granted while in office to 673, nearly equal to the number of commutations issued by the previous 11 administrations combined (690).

“The clemency initiative is about more than the 111 people who learned today that their sentences have been commuted; it’s also about the families and communities who will welcome them home as they work to build a new life,” Sally Q. Yates, the deputy attorney general, said in a statement.

While the number of commutations Obama has granted far exceeds those of his predecessors dating back to World War II, they still impact a fraction of the country’s massive population of incarcerated people.

At the end of 2014, there were more than 210,000 inmates in federal correctional facilities, along with another 1.3 million in state facilities, according to Justice Department statistics. That year, half of all men and more than half of women in federal prisons were serving time for drug offenses, according to the most recent numbers from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, which released them last fall.

The number of inmates in federal prisons has declined to less than 195,000 earlier this month, according to a memo Yates wrote outlining the Justice Department’s plans to stop using private prisons.

With just months left in office, Obama faces a mountain of names seeking clemency and relatively little time to consider their petitions. According to the Justice Department, there were more than 11,000 commutation petitions pending earlier this month, along with more than 1,400 pardon petitions.

In June, a group of experts, activists and former officials wrote to Obama urging him to speed up the process, worrying about the pace during the twilight of his administration.

Obama said during his news conference earlier this month that his main criteria was finding people who would be given much shorter sentences today than they received decades ago, individuals who his administration believes have “tried to reform themselves while incarcerated” and deserve a second chance.

“Our focus really has been on people who we think were overcharged and people who we do not believe have a propensity towards violence,” he said.

Here is the full list of people who had their sentences commuted Tuesday, as released by the White House:

· Malik Abuhamid Waking Abdunafi — Baltimore, MD

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine, at least 50 grams of cocaine base (crack), heroin, and marijuana; distribution of cocaine and cocaine base (crack); distribution of heroin; possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, at least five grams of cocaine base (crack), heroin, and marijuana; Middle District of Pennsylvania

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $100,000 forfeiture (August 31, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and obligation and payment of forfeiture remitted.

· Quentin C. Adams — St. Louis, MO

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); distribution of cocaine base; Western District of Missouri

Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (June 15, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months’ imprisonment.

· Sly Stallone Aikens — Hickory Grove, SC

Offense: Knowingly using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing the firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime (two counts); District of South Carolina

Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 29, 2005); amended to 235 months’ imprisonment (September 28, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment.

· Michael Alexander — Charlotte, NC

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 23, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Alfonso Allen — Miami, FL

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and marijuana; possession of a short barreled shotgun in furtherance of a felony drug offense; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of an unregistered short barreled shotgun; Southern District of Florida

Sentence: Life plus 10 years’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 25, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.

· Brian Allen Altman — New Berlin, WI

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (two counts); Western District of Virginia

Sentence: 480 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 23, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment.

· Maurice D. Ball — Kansas City, MO

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Missouri

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (June 22, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· John Franklin Banks — Lynchburg, VA

Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; Western District of Virginia

Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $250 fine (January 14, 2000 (on remand))

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 292 months’ imprisonment.

· Human L. Barrington, III — Norfolk, VA

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Virginia

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 7, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment.

· Tyrie Bell — Sauk Village, IL

Offense: Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute; Northern District of Illinois

Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $500 restitution (January 19, 2000)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Ronald Owen Bilbrey, Jr. — Winter Haven, FL

Offense: Conspiracy to traffic in controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine (three counts); possession of ephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine; Middle District of Florida

Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 25, 1996)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Tremayne Kendrick Blackwell — Charlotte, NC

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 18, 2009); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (November 3, 2015)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment.

· Corey Lyndell Blount — Houston, TX

Offense: Use of a communication facility in facilitating the commission of felonies under the Controlled Substance Act; continuing criminal enterprise; Western District of Louisiana

Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 27, 1999)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.

· Ronald Lee Blount, Jr. — Houston, TX

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; use of a communication facility in facilitating the commission of felonies under the Controlled Substance Act; Western District of Louisiana

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 9, 1999)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Jerome Lee Borders — Statesville, NC

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of North Carolina

Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 6, 2002 )

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

· Brad Bradley Bradford — Tampa, FL

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Middle District of Georgia

Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (November 6, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Charles Lee Brandon — Bay City, MI

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Michigan

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (December 22, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months’ imprisonment.

· Walter Breland — Statesville, NC

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine base; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Indiana

Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (February 12, 2003)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

· Eugene Kenneth Brinson — Newark, NJ

Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride & heroin; possess with intent to distribute marijuana; Eastern District of Virginia

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 8, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

· Roosevelt Brockington — Fort Lauderdale, FL

Offense: Distribution in excess of five grams of cocaine base; Middle District of Georgia

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 15, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.

· Derrick Lewis Bynum — Hyattsville, MD

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; use of a communications device to facilitate narcotics trafficking (three counts); possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; District of Maryland

Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 19, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

· Juan Benito Calbo-Gomez — Corpus Christi, TX

Offense:

1. Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack) and marijuana; Eastern District of Texas

2. Supervised release violation (possession with intent to distribute marijuana); Eastern District of Texas

Sentence:

1. 210 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 17, 2006); amended to 168 months’ imprisonment (November 1, 2014)

2. 18 months’ imprisonment (February 15, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Joseph J. Campbell — Summerville, SC

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and cocaine base; unlawful use of communication facility to facilitate drug trafficking activity; District of South Carolina

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 14, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Eugene Carlton — Decatur, GA

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Georgia

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 1, 2002)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Shannon Cave — Bronx, NY

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Virginia

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 13, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.

· Fred Charles, Jr. — Stopover, KY

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of cocaine; use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Virginia

Sentence: 248 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $500 fine (April 4, 2002)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Duane Clasen — Evansville, WI

Offense:

1. Distribution of approximately 6.85 grams of methamphetamine (mixture), after having previously been convicted of one or more felony drug offenses; Northern District of Iowa

2. Supervised release violation (distribution of amphetamine); Northern District of Iowa

Sentence:

1. 200 months’ imprisonment (July 25, 2003)

2. 36 months’ imprisonment (consecutive); six years’ supervised release; $6,142.75 restitution (October 29, 1999)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 15, 2017, and unpaid balance of restitution obligation remitted.

· Clarence Douglas Coakley — Dermott, AR

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (two counts); Eastern District of North Carolina

Sentence: Life plus 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 9, 1996)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.

· Merlin Coleman — Chicago, IL

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; use of a communication facility to facilitate the commission of the distribution of a controlled substance (three counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Illinois

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 9, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Barry Renfold Cooley — Los Angeles, CA

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute narcotics; District of Nebraska

Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 29, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Travis Dwaine Corley — Blackville, SC

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine; District of South Carolina

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 23, 2003)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Warren Dean Cornett — Houston, TX

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine and in excess of 50 grams cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of cocaine; possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Texas

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 27, 1998)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Bobby Richard Cotton, Jr. — Tampa, FL

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 3, 2002)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Jessee Dane Cox — Crumpler, NC

Offense: Conspiracy to possess methamphetamine; Western District of Virginia

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 26, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Aubrey Jermaine Cummings — Miami, FL

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base and at least five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of Florida

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 8, 2002)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Eddie James Davis — Bedford, OH

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Ohio

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 28, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Henry Deleon — Corpus Christi, TX

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute approximately 2.22 kilograms of a mixture or a substance containing methamphetamine; aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute approximately 2.22 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine; Southern District of Texas

Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 15, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

· James Dillehay — Akron, OH

Offense: Conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine; Northern District of Ohio

Sentence: Life imprisonment (September 10, 1993)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.

· William R. Downs — Daytona Beach, FL

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Middle District of Florida

Sentence: 260 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 2, 2001)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Jarrett Dunn — Cleveland, Tenn.

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess more than 50 grams cocaine base; conspiracy to distribute and possess more than five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride; possession with intent to distribute more than five grams cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee

Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 19, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months’ imprisonment.

· Robert Anthony Eberhart — Garner, NC

Offense: Distribution of cocaine base; possession of a firearm during drug trafficking; Middle District of North Carolina

Sentence: 468 months’ imprisonment, five years’ supervised release (February 1, 2005); amended to 420 months’ imprisonment (November 28, 2012)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

· Darryl Dewayne Edwards — Port Arthur, TX

Offense: Attempt to manufacture 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a felon; Eastern District of Texas

Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 19, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Darryl Ellis — Fort Pierce, FL

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; aiding and abetting; Middle District of Alabama

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 26, 1996)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Mark Foster — Waterford Works, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; carrying or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 12, 2002)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

· Craig William Frazier — Great Falls, MT

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute marijuana; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; District of Montana

Sentence: 480 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (December 14, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Ricardo Gallardo — Rockford, IL

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine and one kilogram or more of heroin; distribution of 2,006 grams of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute 6.02 kilograms of cocaine and 996.9 grams of heroin; money laundering; engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity; Northern District of Illinois

Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $500 fine (December 16, 2005); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (November 1, 2014)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

· Jason Gardner — Fort Worth, TX

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Texas

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 27, 2003)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Ricky Lamont Garrett — Waco, TX

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of “crack” cocaine; Western District of Texas

Sentence: 224 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (March 28, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and unpaid balance of $1,000 fine remitted.

· Orfil Javier Garza — Pacoima, CA

Offense: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; District of Utah

Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 13, 2010)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Antonio Jevon Gayden — Chicago, IL

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute, and/or aid and abet the possession with intent to distribute five grams or more but less than 50 grams of cocaine base after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 16, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment.

· Mark Francis Glidden — Clear Lake, IA

Offense: Manufacture and attempt to manufacture five grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) after a prior conviction for a felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (October 22, 2003)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Quincy Allen Goins — Madison, TN

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee

Sentence: Life imprisonment (March 14, 2001)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2017.

· David Gonzalez — Houston, TX

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; aiding and abetting the distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Texas

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 26, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 31, 2017.

· Elliott Gray — Baltimore, MD

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and aiding and abetting; District of Maryland

Sentence: 188 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (August 24, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Randolph S. Gustave — Albuquerque, NM

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; conspiracy to launder monetary instruments (two counts); Western District of Pennsylvania

Sentence: 324 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (June 21, 2001); amended to 262 months’ imprisonment (November 1, 2015)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 1, 2017.

· Ali Reno Harden — Dublin, GA

Offense: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of a firearm having an obliterated serial number; possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base; possession of a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime; possession of marijuana; Southern District of Georgia

Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (February 19, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted.

· Ronnie Lorenzo Hardy — Chipley, FL

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; principal to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; unlawful possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm during a felony drug offense; Northern District of Florida

Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (September 19, 2000)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 270 months’ imprisonment.

· Charles Harrison — Natchez, MS

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $1,500 fine (October 25, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Jason Thomas Haslip — Las Vegas, NV

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute in excess of 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDA or Ecstasy); aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute 87 capsules and 1,419 tablets of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDA or Ecstasy); aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute 27 grams of methamphetamine; District of Minnesota

Sentence: 324 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 17, 2004); amended to 262 months’ imprisonment (November 1, 2015)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Monroe Herring — Greensboro, NC

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 26, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Emmanuel Herron — Stella, MO

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 56.63 grams of crack cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Iowa

Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 22, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Marvin K. Holloway — District Heights, MD

Offense: Unlawful possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of Columbia

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 21, 2000)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Cory Lamonte Huddleston — St. Louis, MO

Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 20, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Kevin Huff — New Orleans, LA

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Louisiana

Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 26, 2001); amended to 275 months’ imprisonment (November 3, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Jose Jasso, Jr. — Progreso, TX

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Texas

Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $10,000 fine (June 27, 1997)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and unpaid balance of $10,000 fine remitted.

· Isaac Simmons Johnson — Macclenny, FL

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Middle District of Florida

Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (May 27, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Samuel Latrell Johnson — Odessa, TX

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; Western District of Texas

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 17, 2002)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Theodore Johnson — Rock Island, IL

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Illinois

Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (May 19, 2000)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted.

· Walter Johnson — Tampa, FL

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distributing 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida

Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 30, 2000)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Tony Lamont Jones — Portsmouth, VA

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia

Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 29, 1998); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (August 28, 2015)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· James Howard Jones — Cartersville, GA

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; aided and abetted possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Georgia

Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 5, 1997); amended to 324 months’ imprisonment (November 2, 2015)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Dirk Ladson — Bronx, NY

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing cocaine and cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia

Sentence: 328 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 12, 1995)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Mark Lanzilotti — Sewell, NJ

Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; manufacture of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting; Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 4, 2002); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (August 7, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

· Michael Freeman Lattimore — Lawndale, NC

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 30, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Gary L. Lynch — Rocky Mount, NC

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack) and cocaine; Eastern District of North Carolina

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1,200 restitution (April 30, 2001)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Emmanuel Obi stores — Detroit, MI

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; conspiracy to import heroin; Southern District of New York

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 11, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Larry Martin — Chicago, IL

Offense: Drug conspiracy; Northern District of Illinois

Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (August 12, 1993)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.

· Rudy Martinez — Chicago, IL

Offense: Conspiracy; continuing criminal enterprise; drug distribution (two counts); use of a communication facility in commission of a crime (three counts); interstate travel in aid of racketeering enterprises; Northern District of Illinois

Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 23, 1992)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Victor Eugene Mason — Washington, NC

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine; District of South Carolina

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 11, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Rodney R. McCain — Suitland, MD

Offense: Distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; District of Maryland

Sentence: 200 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 14, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Kenneth Russell McCoy — Council Bluffs, IA

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa

Sentence: 216 months’ imprisonment; seven years’ supervised release (September 24, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· London Archie McRae — West End, NC

Offense: Possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina

Sentence: 280 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (May 29, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Danielle Bernard Metz — New Orleans, LA

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine; continuing criminal enterprise; possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; laundering of monetary instruments; Eastern District of Louisiana

Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 15, 1993)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Hal Q. Mincy — Cleveland, OH

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); Northern District of Ohio

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 15, 2001)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Joseph Newton — Savannah, GA

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; use of a communication facility; Southern District of Georgia

Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 19, 1992); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (November 1, 2014)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· James Clinton Patterson, Jr. — Concord, NC

Offense: Possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (February 12, 2002)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Raeanna Mae Paxton — Casper, WY

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (July 10, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Leon Perry — Metter, GA

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute a quantity of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride; Southern District of Georgia

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $2,500 fine (December 10, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, and unpaid balance of $2,500 fine remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Michael D. Points — Louisville, KY

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Kentucky

Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (December 5, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Albert Randolph — St. Louis, MO

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri

Sentence: 160 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (July 1, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Gregory Augusta Ransom, II — Panama City, FL

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base and cocaine; Northern District of Florida

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 6, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Darryl Lamar Reed — San Leandro, CA

Offense: Manufacture and possession with intent to distribute crack and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting; Northern District of California
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $50,000 fine (January 29, 1990)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Tommy Rice — Spartanburg, SC

Offense: Aiding and abetting in the commission of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; District of South Carolina

Sentence: Life imprisonment, 10 years’ supervised release (January 6, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Daxtrell D. Robinson — Champaign, IL

Offense: Possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Central District of Illinois

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 25, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Uriah Alfred Rose — Miami, FL

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine; Southern District of Florida

Sentence: 188 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (June 7, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Calvin Dwayne Sangster — St. Louis, MO

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of Missouri

Sentence: 188 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (November 30, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Martez Lamont Sherrod — Greenville, NC

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base and more than 500 grams of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of North Carolina

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 12, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a expire on December 28, 2016.

· George E. Smith — Riviera Beach, FL

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute less than five grams of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school; Southern District of Florida

Sentence: 235 months’ imprisonment; 12 years’ supervised release (December 8, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Lue Gene Swarn — Dallas, TX

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; use of a communication facility to facilitate the commission of a drug felony; Eastern District of Texas

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 4, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Western John Thomas — Albion, MI

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Michigan

Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 22, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Timothy L. Tyler — St. Petersburg, FL

Offense: Possession with intent to deliver LSD; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute LSD; Middle District of Florida

Sentence: Life imprisonment (July 19, 1994)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Norman Eugene Van Zee — Highmore, SD

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; District of South Dakota

Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 20, 2003)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Gracie Walker — Granbury, TX

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; Northern District of Texas

Sentence: 290 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 27, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Derrick Waller — St. Louis, MO

Offense: 1. Supervised release violation (possession of an unregistered firearm and distribution of cocaine); Eastern District of Missouri

2. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of Missouri

Sentence: 1. 36 months’ imprisonment (July 17, 2007)

2. 188 months’ imprisonment (concurrent to the unserved part of the 36-month sentence); four years’ supervised release (November 2, 2007)

45 months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (February 16, 1996)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Patrick Willard — Greensboro, NC

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Kentucky
Sentence: 327 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 8, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Christopher White — Anderson, SC

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; distribution and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute; aiding and abetting; District of Maryland

Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $1 fine (July 30, 1999); amended to 289 months’ imprisonment (November 1, 2014)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Daniel Williams — Schenectady, NY

Offense: Conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Northern District of New York
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 2, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Jonathan Carnell Williams — Washington, DC

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (crack); District of Maryland

Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (May 6, 2003)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.

· Levi Wilson — Denver, CO

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine base and to use a place where cocaine base is manufactured, distributed and used; District of Wyoming

Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 3, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

· Richard Van Winrow — Los Angeles, CA

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a narcotic drug controlled substance; felon in possession of a firearm; Central District of California

Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 6, 1989)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2017.

· Raul S. Zavala — Spokane, WA

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; use of a communication facility to facilitate the commission of a felony; Eastern District of Washington

Sentence: Life imprisonment (April 18, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

This story was first published on WashingtonPost.com