4 in NY, NJ Among 79 to Have Drug Sentences Commuted By President Obama

President Barack Obama has surpassed the 1,000 mark for commutations granted during his presidency after shortening sentences for 79 people -- including four from New York and New Jersey.

Obama has been granting commutations at rapid-fire pace in his final months in office. The White House says he's commuted more sentences than the past 11 presidents combined.

Most of those who have received clemency are nonviolent drug offenders, though many were also convicted of firearms violations related to drug crimes.

Obama says "it makes no sense" for nonviolent drug offenders to serve decades in prison or life sentences. He says it burdens taxpayers and overcrowded prisons without benefiting public safety.

Obama is calling for a criminal justice overhaul to address overly onerous sentencing and other problems. Congress has shown bipartisan interest but hasn't acted on those reforms.

Among those who received commuted sentences in New York were Albert Betemit, a Manhattan man originally sentenced to life in prison for drug distribution conspiracy charges; Mark Clifton of Brooklyn, who was serving a 30-year term for drug conspiracy charges; and Frantz Michel, a Brooklyn man serving life in prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine.

Jose Rodriguez of Camden, New Jersey, was the only person to recieve a commuted sentence out of the Garden State. he was serving 30 years in prison for drug conspiracy.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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