© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Obama reduces sentence of Detroit-area man with drug crime

steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio

DETROIT (AP) - President Barack Obama has shaved years off a Detroit-area man's sentence for a drug crime.

Kareem Martin has been in prison since 2007. His 23-year sentence now will expire in 2018. Obama commuted the sentence Friday along with the sentences of 41 others.

In 2006, Martin pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver cocaine. Federal Judge Lawrence Zatkoff noted a "long history of criminal conduct" and said a "significant sentence" was appropriate.

Martin's sentencing guidelines were enhanced by his past convictions. He's been seeking a shorter sentence for years; his latest effort was rejected by Judge Sean Cox on May 13.

In 2014, Martin wrote Zatkoff, saying he was a "changed man" who had become an electrician while in prison.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.
Related Content