Michaelene Sexton - Massachusetts

#F36728

State:   Massachusetts
Sentence:  10 years with no chance of parole
Offense:  Trafficking in cocaine (100-200 grams)
Date of Sentencing:  1999
Date of Birth:  1951
Priors:  None

Nature of Offense:   Michaelene, a single mother of three, sold cocaine to support her own addiction.  The police found out about her drug activities from two of her associates who had both been arrested (for separate offenses) and had become confidential informants.  Michaelene’s home was searched and she was arrested.  When released before sentencing, she went on the lam for several months, but she eventually turned herself in.

Sentences of Others Involved:   One of Michaelene’s associates received no penalty; the other received 6 months rehabilitation.

Judge’s Remarks :  As Michaelene’s children sobbed from the back of the courtroom, Judge Judd J. Carhart sentenced her to 10 years with no chance of parole.  But he criticized mandatory sentencing and said, “Ten years is an awful long time.  When I look at this case compared to crimes of violence, I wonder.”

Since her incarceration

Since going to prison in 1991, Michaelene has used her time productively, earning a college degree, working on in the prison garden, and helping other prisoners. But she has also experienced the loss of her mother and son while being behind bars.  Reporter Monica Brady-Myerov from Boston's National Public Radio station (WBUR), recently interviewed Michaelene for a segment on Massachusetts mandatory sentences.  You can read a transcript and listen to the interview by visiting the WBUR website.

Profile compiled from inmate information and The Springfield Union.
3/10/00 dl