Springfield Man Among 61 To Get Sentence Commuted By Obama

BOSTON (AP) — A Springfield man is among 61 drug offenders whose sentences have been shortened by President Barack Obama.

A federal judge in Massachusetts sentenced Manuel Colon to 20 years in 2007 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, and a related charge.

The White House announced the commutations Wednesday. Under the president's order, Colon, now 43, will be released July 28.

Defense attorney Stephen Jonas last year wrote to the judge who sentenced Colon, saying his client already had served 12 years in prison since his 2013 arrest. He said current sentencing guidelines would call for only seven to nine years in prison.

Jonas called Colon's commutation "just and fair."

"His 2003 offense was a non-violent, low-level drug offense. ... He has been a model prisoner, received his GED, participated in programs to improve himself, and has strong family and community ties.

"Mr. Colon is ready and eager to come home and rebuild his life. He is deeply appreciative of the chance he was given to do so."

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