Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Reeves Grants First Clemency, Ordering Release of Man Illegally Sentenced to 15 Years

The action follows an appeals court ruling that his 15-year term exceeded the five-year maximum.

FILE - Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves attends the unveiling of a Mississippi Freedom Trail marker on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, N.J., August 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)

Overview

  • Gov. Tate Reeves signed Executive Order 1590 granting clemency to Marcus Taylor and directing his release within five days.
  • Taylor pleaded guilty in 2015 to conspiracy to sell a Schedule III substance after paperwork and court records misstated the maximum penalty as 20 years.
  • In line with the state’s recommendation, a judge imposed a 15-year term even though the law capped the sentence at five years.
  • The Mississippi Court of Appeals deemed the sentence illegal in May and, on rehearing last month, ordered Taylor’s release.
  • It is Reeves’ first clemency since taking office in 2020, and reports differ on time served, citing either more than 10 years or the full five-year term.