04th July 2016 [Updated]

-|- In + Prayer -|-

~ BARBER AMENDMENT ~

A.L.E.C.  |  INNOVATION  | 

New Report Offers Ways for State Legislators to Expand Access to Prescription Opioids while Fighting Opioid Abuse

Access to abuse-deterrent opioids may provide pain treatment and lower opioid abuse

MIA HECK, LAUREN BELLAMY/JANUARY 27, 2016

Abuse-deterrent opioids may reduce long-term healthcare costs, according to a new paper released today by the American Legislative Exchange Council. The paper, “Optimizing the Abuse-deterrent Opioids Market,” written Dr. Wayne Winegarden, finds that abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) of opioids treat pain and help prevent abuse.

Prescription opioid abuse accounted for an estimated $55.7 million in healthcare, workplace and criminal justice costs in 2008, with an estimated 15.7 million people aged 12 or older having used prescription drugs non-medically in the past year.

“The health challenge is to balance the legitimate need for opioid medications for pain patients while minimizing problems created by prescription opioid abuse,” wrote Dr. Winegarden in the report.

According to the report, more Americans suffer from chronic pain than from diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke combined. An estimated 100 million Americans live with some form of chronic pain.

Patients with untreated chronic pain make more emergency room visits and incur higher treatment costs (including medication, therapy and surgeries) than people without chronic pain. Health care costs for chronic pain are estimated between $261 billion and $300 billion.

Chronic and temporary pain cost Americans even more in lost productivity and reduced quality of life. Pain accounts for 50 million sick days per year, and lost productivity and workplace expenses due to chronic pain cost between $299 billion and $335 billion.

Abuse Deterrent Formulations (ADFs) could be part of a cost-efficient solution. Prescription opioids are powerful pain killers and doctors may recommend them to patients along with other patient-specific treatment methods. People with severe chronic pain tend to pay thousands of dollars more on healthcare than people with moderate pain. The possibility of managing severe pain with a single medication that deters abuse is profound.

The report finds that abuse-deterrent prescription opioids may help protect patients from addiction. ADFs are designed with one of three defenses: the “fortress approach,” the “neutralizing approach” and the “aversive approach.” The first two approaches delay or neutralize the opioid in case of tampering. The aversive approach releases an unpleasant agent into the body in case of overdose.

The report identifies three reasons that ADF usage has been slow to take off. As patented medication, most ADFs are currently more expensive than non-patented, non-deterrent pain treatments. Legal barriers prohibiting the use of abuse-deterrent opioids also make the medicine more expensive, and could keep prescription opioids out of the hands of patients who might benefit from them. Regulatory requirements often require a patient to begin treatment with a non-deterrent opioid, only if the first opioid fails do they qualify for an ADF.

States can help provide abuse-deterrent opioids to people who need them by removing the requirement that a patient begin treatment with a non-deterrent opioid. Requiring a written permission from a healthcare professional before the prescription can be switched is also a potential solution.

“Effective and targeted legislation can address these disincentives, allowing the abuse-deterrent opioids to compete in the medical marketplace based on their medical efficacy,” write Dr. Winegarden in the report. “Correcting the disincentives that discourage appropriate use of abuse-deterrent opioids is a reform opportunity that addresses an important health need, reduces overall healthcare expenditures, lowers criminal justice costs, and beneficially impacts overall workplace productivity.” The full report can be found here.

http://www.alec.org/publication/2016opioids/ 

 

SOURCE:  https://www.alec.org/article/new-report-offers-ways-for-state-legislators-to-expand-access-to-prescription-opioids-while-fighting-opioid-abuse/

But Compare with New Science. 

 

For Example:   GENETICS, state-of-the-art Genetic Editing (CRISPR) and Drug Addiction: 

 

 

Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science

Volume 137, 2016, Pages 229–252

The Molecular Basis of Drug Addiction

Chapter Eight – Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model to Study the Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms of Drug Addiction

• Eric A. Engleman^*, , , 
• Simon N. Katner^*, 
• Bethany S. Neal-Beliveau^†

Abstract

 

Drug addiction takes a massive toll on society. Novel animal models are needed to test new treatments and understand the basic mechanisms underlying addiction. Rodent models have identified the neurocircuitry involved in addictive behavior and indicate that rodents possess some of the same neurobiologic mechanisms that mediate addiction in humans. Recent studies indicate that addiction is mechanistically and phylogenetically ancient and many mechanisms that underlie human addiction are also present in invertebrates. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has conserved neurobiologic systems with powerful molecular and genetic tools and a rapid rate of development that enables cost-effective translational discovery. Emerging evidence suggests that C. elegans is an excellent model to identify molecular mechanisms that mediate drug-induced behavior and potential targets for medications development for various addictive compounds. C. elegans emit many behaviors that can be easily quantitated including some that involve interactions with the environment. Ethanol (EtOH) is the best-studied drug-of-abuse in C. elegans and at least 50 different genes/targets have been identified as mediating EtOH's effects and polymorphisms in some orthologs in humans are associated with alcohol use disorders. C. elegans has also been shown to display dopamine and cholinergic system–dependent attraction to nicotine and demonstrate preference for cues previously associated with nicotine. Cocaine and methamphetamine have been found to produce dopamine-dependent reward-like behaviors in C. elegans. These behavioral tests in combination with genetic/molecular manipulations have led to the identification of dozens of target genes/systems in C. elegans that mediate drug effects. The one target/gene identified as essential for drug-induced behavioral responses across all drugs of abuse was the cat-2 gene coding for tyrosine hydroxylase, which is consistent with the role of dopamine neurotransmission in human addiction. Overall, C. elegans can be used to model aspects of drug addiction and identify systems and molecular mechanisms that mediate drug effects. The findings are surprisingly consistent with analogous findings in higher-level organisms. Further, model refinement is warranted to improve model validity and increase utility for medications development.

Article outline

• Abstract (Hot Links):
• Keywords
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Models of Addiction
• 3. Invertebrate Models
• 4. C. elegans as a Model System to Study Addiction
• 5. Drugs of Abuse
• 5.1. Ethanol
• 5.2. Nicotine
• 5.3. Cocaine
• 5.4. Methamphetamine
• 6. Convergent Mechanisms of Drugs of Abuse in C. elegans
• 7. Leveraging C. elegans for Model Development and Drug Discovery
• 8. Conclusions
• Acknowledgment
• References

 

Keywords

• addiction; 
• Caenorhabditis elegans; 
• ethanol; 
• nicotine; 
• cocaine; 
• methamphetamine;
• behavior; 
• genes; 
• model

Corresponding author.

Copyright © 2016 Published by Elsevier Inc.

NOTE:   This is a $31.50 article.  If anyone is a subscriber and able to acquire the entire articla, please be so kind as to make it available to FedCURE and its Members here.

 

SOURCE:  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877117315002215

 

More on Gene Editing (CRISPR) Drug Addiction:  https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=gene+editing+crispr+drug+addiction&hl=en&as_sdt=0,10

 

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

December 18, 2015

President Obama Grants Commutations and Pardons

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Barack Obama granted commutations of sentence to 95 individuals and pardons to two individuals.

The President granted commutations of sentence to the following 95 individuals:

• Donald Allen – Lynn Haven, FL

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

Sentence:  Life plus five years’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Aug. 17, 1998)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Royal Deandre Allen – Houston, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Southern District of Texas)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $17,500 fine (May 13, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and balance of the fine remitted.

 

• Sandra Avery – Sarasota, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base; possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (three counts); possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine; possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jan. 3, 2007)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

• Jose Aviles – Chicago, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Apr. 23, 1993)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

• George Andre Axam – Atlanta, GA

Offense:  Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Northern District of Georgia)

Sentence:  180 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (Jun. 12, 2007)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Ray Bennett – Hazlehurst, GA

Offense:  Knowingly conspiring to distribute cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”); knowingly possessing with intent to distribute and causing to be possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”) (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Nov. 22, 1991)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Wendell Edward Betancourt – Washington, D.C.

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute “crack” cocaine (Northern District of West Virginia)

            Sentence:  220 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Jun. 11, 2002)

            Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Edward B. Betts – Carbondale, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute in excess of 100 kilograms of marijuana (Southern District of Illinois)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Jul. 27, 1992)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and eight-year term of supervised release commuted to two years of supervised release.

 

• Anthony Bosley – Spokane, WA

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (Eastern District of Washington)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jun. 13, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Ramona Brant – Freeport, NY

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

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Feb. 2, 1995)

            Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Ivory Charles Brinson – Wabasso, FL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (Southern District of Florida)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Nov. 15, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Carolyn Yvonne Butler – San Antonio, TX

Offense:  Armed bank robbery (three counts); using a firearm during a crime of violence (three counts) (Western District of Texas

Sentence:  48 years’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release; $1,200 fine; $3,339 restitution (Jul. 30, 1992)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

• Arnold Charles Cabarris – Victoria, VA

Offense:  Distribution of cocaine base; conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (Eastern District of Virginia)

Sentence:  262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Feb. 19, 1999)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Jimmy Lee Carter – Okeechobee, FL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Southern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jul. 21, 1993)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Sherman Dionne Chester – St. Petersburg, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin; distribution of cocaine (six counts); distribution of heroin (five counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Feb. 11, 1994)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

• Herbert Lee Christopher, Jr. – Cordele, GA

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

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Oct. 4, 1991)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

• Jawariel Coffie – Hollywood, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Oct. 5, 1993)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Michael Reese Coffman – Milton, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jul. 21, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Oscar Cole, Jr. – Bessemer, AL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride (Northern District of Alabama)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Sep. 21, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

• Alex Contreras – Anchorage, AK

Offense:  Drug conspiracy; distribution of a controlled substance (four counts); possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (four counts); using, carrying, possessing firearm during drug trafficking crime (three counts) (District of Alaska)

Sentence:  481 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Jul. 11, 2002); prison sentence amended to 480 months’ imprisonment (May 27, 2008)

            Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Eddie Lee Cooks – Monroe, LA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (three counts) (Western District of Louisiana)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (May 24, 1994)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

• Lelus Crawford – St. Louis, MO

Offense:  Distribution of cocaine base (“crack”) (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) (Eastern District of Missouri)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jun. 15, 2007)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Dewayne Crompton – Bakersfield, CA

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Western District of Wisconsin)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (May 28, 1993)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

• Charles Frederick Cundiff – Altoona, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; attempt to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Jan. 8, 1992)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

• Thomas Daniels – Philadelphia, PA

Offense:  Distribution of cocaine; distribution of cocaine base ("crack cocaine") (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Jun. 26, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

• Joe Nathan Darby – Salters, SC

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of five grams or more of crack cocaine (two counts); possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of crack cocaine (District of South Carolina)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 25, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Alphonso Davis – Ridgeway, SC

Offense:  Conspiracy to violate narcotic laws (crack) (Western District of North Carolina)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Feb. 12, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• William Ervin Dekle – Lake City, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to import 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; importation of 100 kilograms of marijuana (four counts); possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms of marijuana (four counts) (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; four years’ special parole (Jun. 7, 1991)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Dianne Demar  -- St. Petersburg, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute in excess of 100 grams of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine (two counts); possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (Northern District of Georgia)

Sentence:  Life plus five years’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Dec. 13, 1991)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

• Eric T. Downs – Mansfield, OH

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

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (July 18, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

• Ernest R. Eads – Seneca, MO

Offense:         1. Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (Western District of Missouri

                        2. Felon in possession of firearms (Western District of Missouri)

Sentence:        1. Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Mar. 7, 1997)

                        2. 12 months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (Mar. 7, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentences commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

• Reginald Gerard Ennis – Mobile, AL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine (Southern District of Alabama)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Apr. 22, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Jimmy Lee Fields – Dundee, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Jan. 16, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

• Pedro Figueroa – Philadelphia, PA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute controlled substance; distribution of controlled substance, aiding and abetting (three counts); possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute, aiding and abetting (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (Jul. 15, 2003)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Donald Lee Gill – Cincinnati, OH

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and aiding and abetting; carrying firearm during a drug trafficking crime (Eastern District of Kentucky)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Aug. 20, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

• Calvin C. Gillings – Chicago, IL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, “crack”; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (Southern District of Iowa)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Jul. 18, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Glenn D. Gold – Clarksville, TN

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm (Middle District of Tennessee)

Sentence:  Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Apr. 23, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Alberto Gonzalez – Philadelphia, PA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine; distribution of 1,003 grams of cocaine (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (May 19, 2003)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Willie James Griffin, Jr. – Pensacola, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  252 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (Dec. 2, 1999); prison sentence amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (Apr. 14, 2008)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016 and balance of the fine remitted. 

 

• Doyle Grimes, Jr. – Miami, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  292 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Apr. 8, 2003); prison sentence amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (Dec. 5, 2014)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Kenneth Hamlin, Jr. – Pittsburgh, PA

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base, in excess of 100 grams of heroin, and a quantity of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of in excess of 100 grams of heroin

(Western District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Mar. 4, 1999)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Glenn A. Harris – Elizabeth City, NC

Offense:  Distribution of more than five grams of cocaine base (crack) (Eastern District North Carolina)

Sentence:  188 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $2,100 restitution (Aug. 8, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and balance of the restitution obligation remitted.

 

• Lisa Harris – Arcadia, FL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of cocaine base, crack cocaine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base, crack cocaine (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  235 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Nov. 30, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Antorrian Adrionne Hawkins – Lilburn, GA

Offense:  Felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (Eastern District of Michigan)

Sentence:  300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Apr. 12, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Eugene L. Haywood – Peoria, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack); possession of cocaine base (crack) (Central District of Illinois)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jul. 12, 2002)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Jerome A. Jackson – Washington, DC

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base: unlawful distribution of cocaine base (two counts) (District of Columbia)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Feb. 18, 1994)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.  

 

• Gloria Louise James – Fort Madison, IA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (Southern District of Iowa)

Sentence:  188 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Feb. 9, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Angie Jenkins – Klamath Falls, OR

Offense:  Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; manufacture of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (District of Oregon)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Sep. 22, 1998); prison sentence amended to 324 months’ imprisonment (Jan. 29, 2015)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Allen Johnson – Live Oak, FL

Offense:  Distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  188 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Oct. 3, 2003)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Javon Tyrone Johnson – Saginaw, MI

Offense:  Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (Eastern District of Michigan)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Sep. 30, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Mario Alonzo Johnson – Stockton, CA

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine (Eastern District of California)

Sentence:  288 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Jan. 20, 1999)

            Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence to expire on April 16, 2016.    

 

• Tommy Lynn Johnson – Athens, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to possess a listed chemical knowing it will be used to manufacture a controlled substance; possession of a listed chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance (two counts); possession and distribution of a listed chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance (two counts); use, carrying and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (two counts); possession of an unregistered firearm (Eastern District of Texas)

Sentence:  511 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Jul. 21, 2003); prison sentence amended to 481 months’ imprisonment (Oct. 6, 2015)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Sharanda Purlette Jones – Terrell, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (Northern District of Texas)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Nov. 10, 1999)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Ryan O’Neil Lansdowne – Haymarket, VA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (Eastern District of Virginia)

Sentence:  292 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Oct. 20, 2000); prison sentence amended to 262 months’ imprisonment (Apr. 28, 2009)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Chad Robert Latham – Tacoma, WA

Offense:  Conspiracy to manufacture marijuana; manufacturing marijuana (Western District of Washington)

Sentence:  180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Jan. 18, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Jimmy Ewell Lee – Bonifay, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine (actual) and more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 4, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Carlos Lopez – Lawrence, MA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (four counts); possess and carry a firearm during a drug crime; possession of firearm by a prohibited person; possession of firearm with an obliterated serial number (District of New Hampshire)

Sentence:  300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 14, 2003)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Kevin McDonald – Lawrenceville, NJ

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base “crack” (Eastern District of Virginia)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Oct. 17, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016. 

 

• Terry Dennard McNeair – Lexington, NC

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

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Nov. 18, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Michael McRae – Wadesboro, NC

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (Western District of North Carolina)

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

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Juan Fernando Mendoza-Cardenas – Houston, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana (Northern District of Georgia)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jan. 28, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Billy R. Mercer, Jr. – Slapout, AL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; use/carry firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (Middle District of Alabama)

Sentence:  292 months’ imprisonment; 72 months’ supervised release (May 24, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Alton D. Mills – Chicago, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base and cocaine and conspiracy to use communication facilities in the commission of drug trafficking offenses; use of communication facility to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Northern District of Illinois)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; (July 14, 1994)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

• Alphonso Ravon Morrison – Lincolnton, NC

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

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 7, 2001)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Matthew Murphy, III – Moreno Valley, CA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine (Western District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Nov. 13, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Darnell Jamar Nash – Ardmore, OK

Offense:  Drug conspiracy (Eastern District of Oklahoma)

Sentence:  264 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Mar. 18, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and 10-year term of supervised release commuted to three years of supervised release.

 

• Eric L. Orington – Danville, IL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of (crack) cocaine (Central District of Illinois)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $2,000 fine (Sep. 1, 1995)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Lynette Owens – Lehigh Acres, FL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute five or more grams of cocaine base, “crack cocaine” (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  188 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (Jan. 22, 2007)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• David Padilla – Philadelphia, PA

Offense:  Conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Nov. 18, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• LaShawn D. Patton – Cahokia, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; felon in possession of firearm; possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime (Southern District of Illinois)

Sentence:  180 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Feb. 24, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and eight-year term of supervised release commuted to four years of supervised release.

 

• Donald Lamont Postell – Miami, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine (Western District of North Carolina)

Sentence:  600 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $20,000 fine (Feb. 1, 1989)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and balance of the fine remitted.

 

• Lalanda Price – Wellington, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Nov. 29, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Lamar Roberson – Savannah, GA

Offense:  Conspiracy; distribution of cocaine (two counts) (Southern District of Georgia)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Dec. 6, 1991)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Kenneth Cordell Robinson – Houston, TX

Offense:  Distribution of cocaine base (Southern District of Texas)

Sentence:  262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (Apr. 21, 2000)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Amador Rodriguez – Chicago, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine (Northern District of Illinois)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; $25,000 fine (Apr. 24, 1991)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

• Felix Roman, Jr. – Reading, PA

Offense:  Possession of five grams or more of cocaine base “crack” with the intent to distribute; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Apr. 15, 2003)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.        

 

• Angel Sanchez – Atlantic Beach, FL

Offense:  Possession with intent to deliver five or more grams of cocaine (crack); possession of a firearm during or in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (Mar. 13, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and balance of the fine remitted.

 

• Timothy Bernard Sanchious – Richmond, VA

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, to wit: “crack” (Eastern District of Virginia)

Sentence:  204 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Dec. 16, 2004)        

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Michael Santoyo – Saginaw, MI

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (three counts) (Eastern District of Michigan)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 20 years’ supervised release; $80,000 fine (May 24, 1993)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Wilbert L. Shoemaker – Tallulah, LA

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and marijuana (Western District of Louisiana)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Feb. 2, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Marcus Stovall – Etowah, TN

Offense:  Possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute (Eastern District of Tennessee)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Oct. 21, 2002)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Daron Benjamin Swygert – Gaston, SC

Offense:  Possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base (District of South Carolina)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Apr. 13, 2001)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Billie Marie Taylor – Houston, TX

Offense:  Did knowingly and willfully conspire, combine, confederate and agree together, with each other, and with other persons, to manufacture methamphetamine; did knowingly and intentionally possess a listed chemical, namely ephedrine, with intent to manufacture methamphetamine; did knowingly use and carry a firearm, namely, a 12 gauge Harrington and Richardson, Inc. shotgun, serial number AX492667, during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime for which the defendant may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, namely, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; did knowingly possess a firearm, namely, a 12 gauge Harrington and Richardson, Inc. shotgun, serial number AX492667, with a barrel length of less than 18 inches and a weapon made from a shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches, and such firearm was not registered to the defendant in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (Eastern District of Texas)

Sentence:  412 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Feb. 28, 1992); prison sentence amended to 355 months’ imprisonment (Jul. 15, 2015)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

• Eric Desmond Thomas – Houston, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Southern District of Texas)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $20,000 fine (Sep. 26, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and balance of the fine remitted. 

 

• Raymond Allen Thomas – Fairbanks, AK

Offense:  Possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute (District of Alaska)

Sentence:  265 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Feb. 7, 2005); prison sentence amended to 216 months’ imprisonment (Mar. 4, 2015)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Bruce Lamar Thompson – Dalton, GA

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine after sustaining a prior felony drug conviction (Northern District of Georgia)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jul. 30, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Keith Demond Thompson – Eastpointe, MI

Offense:  Distribution of five grams of more of cocaine base (two counts) (Eastern District of Michigan)

Sentence:  188 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (May 24, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Otis Lee Thompson, Jr. – Houston, TX

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute codeine (Southern District of Texas)

Sentence:  195 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Dec. 6, 2005); prison sentence amended to 180 months’ imprisonment (May 20, 2008)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Charles Lee Torian – South Boston, VA

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possess with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base (two counts); possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (Western District of Virginia)

Sentence:  300 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Apr. 19, 2002)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Maurice Junior Turpin – Lynchburg, VA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (Western District of Virginia)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $500.00 fine (Jul. 19, 2007)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Tommie Sand Tyree – Birmingham, AL

Offense:  Distribution of 50 grams or more of “crack” cocaine (Northern District of Alabama)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 96 months’ supervised release (Feb. 7, 2007)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Alfonzo Samuel Wallace – Lake Worth, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, distribution and manufacturing of cocaine base (three counts); possession of cocaine (Southern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Oct. 23, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• John Thomas Watters – Midlothian, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substance (two counts); maintaining drug involved premises; felon in possession of firearms (Northern District of Oklahoma)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 26, 2006) Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Monica Ann White – Rock Island, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); distribute cocaine base (“crack”) (Southern District of Iowa)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Nov. 17, 1998)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

• Shelton L. Williams – Galveston, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine (Southern District of Texas)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 1, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

The President granted pardons to the following two individuals:

 

• Jon Dylan Girard – Centerville, OH

Offense:  Making counterfeit obligations (Southern District of Ohio)

Sentence:  Three years' probation, with the special condition of six months' home confinement (Nov. 7, 2002).

 

• Melody Eileen Homa, fka Melody Eileen Childress – New Kent, VA

Offense:  Aiding and abetting bank fraud (Eastern District of Virginia)

Sentence:  Thirty days’ home detention; three years’ supervised release conditioned on performance of 200 hours of community service (Dec. 16, 1991)

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/12/18/president-obama-grants-commutations-and-pardons

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President Obama Has Shortened the Sentences of
More People Than the Last 5 Presidents Combined

DECEMBER 18, 2015 AT 1:22 PM ET BY MELANIE GARUNAY

TWITTER FACEBOOK EMAIL 

Summary: 

The President has now granted a total of 184 commutations.

Today, President Obama is commuting the federal prison sentences of 95 men and women, most of whom committed nonviolent offenses. With this step, the President has now granted 184 commutations total -- more than the last five presidents combined. Take a look:

  
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
 
President Obama is committed to restoring the sense of fairness at the heart of our justice system. In 2010, he signed the Fair Sentencing Act, a bill that reduced the sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine offenses. Most of the commutations the President has granted have been to non-violent offenders sentenced under those unjust -- and now outdated -- drug crime sentencing rules. If these individuals had been convicted for the exact same crime under today's laws, nearly all of them would have already finished serving their time.
 
The President shared his thoughts in a personal letter to each of the 95 people receiving a commutation today, writing,  "I believe in your ability to prove the doubters wrong, and change your life for the better."

Acts of clemency alone will not reduce the burden of our federal prison population or make our criminal justice system fairer. That's why President Obama and his Administration have taken a number of steps already to fight for a fairer and more efficient justice system, including:

• Signing the Fair Sentencing Act to ease the disparity in the amounts of powder cocaine and crack cocaine required to trigger certain penalties in the federal system, including the imposition of rigid mandatory minimum sentences.
• Creating a Task Force on 21st Century Policing to review current police practices and to identify and implement best practices with the goal of promoting community trust in law enforcement.
• Through the Attorney General, launching the Smart on Crime initiative to ensure federal laws are enforced more fairly and efficiently, including Department of Justice efforts to modify its charging policies on mandatory minimum sentences for certain federal low-level drug-related offenses, improve diversion and re-entry policies, strengthen protections for the most vulnerable.

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Learn more about President Obama's push for meaningful criminal justice reform:

• WATCH: Weekly Address: It’s Time To Reform our Criminal Justice System
• WATCH: President Obama Visits the El Reno Federal Correctional Institution
• President Obama: "Our Criminal Justice System Isn't as Smart as It Should Be"

Melanie Garunay is Associate Director for Digital Outbound for the Office of Digital Strategy

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-|- IN PRAYER -|-

||| FCN |||

R.I.P.: With regret, we inform you of the passing of Anthony J. Varca (Pop) at a young 91, FedCURE's most Senior Director, Advisor & Fellow.

09/10/1924-06/11/2015 ~ CONDOLENCES.

CONDOLENCES for Masteo*Antonio (Nano~Pop) Di Carlo Varca, mail to: A. Varca, Dir., FedCURE, P.O. Box 15667, Plantation, FL 33318-5667. 

For special condolences: in person and or delivery address requests, mail to:  http://www.fedcure.org/contact.shtml.

Dio Benedicto,

FedCURE.

 

Federal Bureau of Prisons

FBOP: Change in Leadership ~ New AD, ADM and AD, HSA

 

BOP Monday Morning Highlights 11 May 2015
Washington, DC

BOP Monday Morning Highlights

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We are drafting a position paper on the CORRECTIONS Act (S.467).

Summary and full text here:   https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/467/all-info

Your comments are respectfully requested, by C.o.B. on Friday, 15 May 2015.

A smart.pdf of the Congressional Record for 11 February 2015 on S.467, is available here: . 

 

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Testimony Submitted-- Charles Colson Task Force on Federal Corrections

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Washington, DC

http://www.urban.org/events/Invitation-to-Submit-Testimony-Charles-Colson-Task-Force-on-Federal-Corrections.cfm

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||| FedCURE SPECIAL REPORT |||

FedCURE's Elegant Solution to Reduce the Federal Inmate Population to 100,000 Inmates.