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Michigan man serving up to 60 years for pot seeks release

marijuana leaf
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Wikimedia | Public Domain
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wikimedia.org

A Michigan man sentenced to up to 60 years in prison in 1996 for a marijuana dealing conviction is hoping to cut his remaining time behind bars. WNEM-TV reports that 68-year-old Michael Thompson has served nearly 25 years of his sentence and won't have a chance for parole until he's in his late 80s. Thompson was denied clemency by then-Gov. Rick Snyder two years ago, but now a movement called "Free Michael Thompson" has gained traction. There is a website dedicated to sending emails and letters as well as making calls to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. And a prosecutor says he's willing to see what can be done.