Mississippi man ordered freed after serving more than 10 years of an illegal 15-year sentence
In Mississippi, a man who was wrongfully sentenced to 15 years for a drug conspiracy that should have carried only a five‑year maximum is now expected to leave jail after Governor Tate Reeves announced a pardon on Wednesday.
Earlier in May, the Mississippi Court of Appeals declared that Taylor’s 15‑year sentence was unlawful, but it didn’t reduce the term because he had passed the deadline for filing post‑conviction relief. After taking the case back for review last month, the appellate court changed its stance and directed that Taylor be freed.
Taylor had entered a plea agreement in February 2015 on counts of conspiracy to distribute a Schedule III substance. Both the trial judge and the appellate court mistakenly listed a potential 20‑year punishment in the official paperwork, when the maximum is actually five years. Acting on the state’s recommendation, a judge imposed the 15‑year term.
Governor Reeves stated, “This is about justice, not mercy.” “Mr. Taylor has served more than 10 years of his sentence, and further service of this sentence in excess of the five‑year statutory maximum constitutes a mischarge of justice.” This marks the first time Reeves has used clemency powers since taking office in 2020.
Reeves’ order requires Taylor to be released within five days. Taylor’s attorney was not immediately reachable for comment.
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