In a sweeping last measure of his Presidency, President Obama granted a total of 273 people federal sentence commutations or pardons.
Four people from Wisconsin were granted a pardon – three of the pardons were for drug possession, but President Obama ordered the release of the prisoners under the conditions that upon release they enroll in a residential drug treatment program. This qualification is in line with the Obama administration treating drug addiction as a public health crisis or a mental health issue and not a criminal one.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports
Randy R. Jefferson of Madison, who was sentenced to 294 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base, will be released Jan. 17, 2019 on the condition that he enroll in residential drug treatment.
Johnnie Stewart of Madison, who was sentenced to 300 months in prison in 2005 for distributing 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base will be released Jan. 17, 2019 on the condition that he enroll in a residential drug treatment program.
Tyreese R. Taylor, of Janesville, who was sentenced to 240 months in prison in 2006 for two counts of distribution of five grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base will be released Jan. 17, 2019 on the condition that he enroll in a residential drug treatment program.
Obama also pardoned Fred Elleston Hicks of Racine, who was sentenced to serve one year on probation in 1983 for acquiring and possessing food stamps in an unauthorized manner.
More information can be found at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
