Michigan to see few dozen federal drug prisoner releases

DETROIT (AP) — Federal authorities say a push to overhaul criminal sentencing is prompting the early release a few dozen federal drug prisoners expected to be in Michigan.

About 6,000 inmates are due to be freed from custody in the coming month, the result of changes made last year to guidelines that provide judges with recommended sentences for specific crimes. The
Associated Press recently published the results of its review of the records.

Last week, the Federal Bureau of Prisons released state-by-state numbers on the expected destinations of more than 4,000 of the prisoners to be released. The Detroit Free Press reports 83 are
expected to be in Michigan. Others could face deportation.

Supporters of lighter drug sentences say there’s no evidence that longer punishment protects public safety.