April 01--President Barack Obama on Tuesday commuted the prison sentences of 22 people convicted of drug offenses, including two Illinois men.
The White House said the move continues Obama's push to make the justice system fairer by reducing harsh sentences that were handed down under outdated guidelines.
Neil Eggleston, the White House counsel, said many of the 22 would already have served their time and paid the debt they owed society had they been sentenced under current laws and policies.
Levar V. Wade, of Chicago, was sentenced in 2004 to 20 years in prison for possession of 50 or more grams of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, the White House said. His sentence will be commuted to expire July 28.
Wade, 37, is in a federal prison in Fort Worth, Texas, according to the Bureau of Prisons.
Terry Andre Barnes of East Moline, was sentenced in 2005 to 20 years and six months in prison. He was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, the White House said.
Barnes, 40, is in a federal prison in Yazoo City, Miss., the Bureau of Prisons said. He sentence also will expire July 28.
Tribune news services contributed.
kskiba@tribpub.com
