Washington, DC – According to published reports, eight Marylanders are among the 214 federal prisoners who had their sentences shortened Aug. 3 by President Barack Obama.
The Baltimore Sun reported that four of the prisoners were from Baltimore, one was from Baltimore County and three are from Prince George’s County. Those three are:
Marston Edward Blue of District Heights, who was sentenced in 2002 to life in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, felon in possession of a firearm, and aiding and abetting. Blue’s sentence will end Dec. 1.
Bernard Gibson Sr. of Temple Hills, who was sentenced in 1996 to life in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. Gibson’s sentence has been shortened to 30 years.
Evans Ray Jr. of Fort Washington, who was sentenced in 2007 to life in prison for distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine, aiding and abetting, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Ray’s prison term will end Dec. 1.
The president will continue to commute sentences for those who “were imprisoned under antiquated, overly harsh sentencing laws” during the final months of his presidency, White House Counsel Neil Eggleston stated. According to the White House, President Obama has shortened over 560 sentences, more than the previous nine presidents combined.
