Whitmer Commutes Sentences Of 4 Michigan Inmates

MICHIGAN — Four people currently in Michigan prisons could soon be released after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday granted their requests for clemency.

Michael Thompson, Lawrence Cadroy, Lorenzo Garrett, and Larry McGhee have received commutations for their non-violent sentences. Whitmer said in a news release that the requests were granted after she reviewed applications by the inmates and 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," Whitmer said. "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.

“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," Whitmer added. "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.”

Related: Nessel Sends Letter To Whitmer In Support Of Michael Thompson

A commutation reduces an person's sentence to a specified term, but does not nullify the underlying conviction. All four individuals have received a commutation that makes them immediately eligible for parole consideration and subsequent release consistent with state law, according to a news release.

“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,” Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said. “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.”

To receive a pardon or commutation, an individual must file an application with the Michigan Parole Board. The applications are reviewed by the parole board on a case-by-case basis. Once an application has met the criteria for recommendation, it is sent to the governor’s office for review and a final determination.

The four people commutated Tuesday are Thompson, who, in May 31, 1996, was sentenced to 40-60 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.

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.

Garrett was sentenced on May 5, 1999 to 29-170 years in prison for selling drugs. He served 22 years on a sentence that was scheduled for an earliest release date of 2027.

McGhee was sentenced on July 1, 2004 to 20-30 years in prison for selling drugs. He served 16 years on a sentence that was scheduled for an earliest release date of 2024.

The state said no further information would be released on the cases or grants of clemency.