LANSING (WHTC-AM/FM) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has commuted the prison sentences of four inmates, based on recommendations by the Michigan Parole Board.
“As a former prosecutor, I recognize how critical it is to take steps toward a smarter and more equitable justice system. Over the last two years, we’ve worked with leaders on both sides of the aisle to make tremendous progress to give people a second chance, from reforming civil asset forfeiture to becoming a national leader on expungement,” Whitmer said, in a statement emailed to media. “These commutations offer a second chance to four individuals who have accepted responsibility and paid their debts to society and whose sentences span decades for non-violent offenses. We still have a lot of work to do, but today is a step in the right direction, and I’m confident that Michigan can continue to be a national leader in smart justice.”
The prison board recommended freeing the four, all of whom had convictions for non-violent offenses: Michael Thompson, Lawrence Cadroy, Lorenzo Garrett, and Larry McGhee.
A commutation reduces an individual’s sentence, it doesn’t erase the underlying conviction. Whitmer’s action makes each immediately eligible for parole consideration and subsequent release, under state law.
“For far too long, the so-called ‘tough on crime’ and ‘war on drugs’ eras of criminal justice have led to fractured families and broken communities that make our state less safe, particularly for people of color in Michigan,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist in a statement emailed to media. “Our administration has spent the last two years delivering bipartisan solutions to improve the criminal justice system in a way that levels the playing field for individuals who have committed nonviolent offenses. We will continue to find ways to provide second chances for everyone, which will make our families, neighborhoods, and communities are safer and stronger.”
Michigan Parole Board members review applications on a case-by-case basis. If the application meets standards for a recommendation, it goes to the governor’s office for a final determination.
- Michael Thompson was sentenced on May 31, 1996, to 40 to 60 years in prison for firearms possession by a felon. He served 22 years on a sentence that was scheduled for an earliest release date of 2038.
- Lawrence Cadroy was sentenced on March 30, 1999, to life in prison for drug possession. He served 21 years on a sentence that was scheduled for an earliest release date of 2030.
- Lorenzo Garrett was sentenced on May 5, 1999, to 29 to 170 years in prison for selling drugs. He served 22 years on a sentence that was scheduled for an earliest release date of 2027.
- Larry McGhee was sentenced on July 1, 2004, to 20 to 30 years in prison for selling drugs. He served 16 years on a sentence that was scheduled for an earliest release date of 2024.
