Press Release
FAMM releases statement following compassionate release ruling for Gwen Levi
For Media Inquiries:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org
FAMM releases statement following compassionate release ruling for Gwen Levi
WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring released the following statement after Gwendolyn Levi was granted compassionate release by United States District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow:
“We are so happy for Gwen and her family,” Ring said. “Sending her back to prison for going to a computer class was shameful. She deserves to be home. But this fight is far from over. It’s time for the Biden administration to ensure that the 4,000 people on home confinement get to stay home wither their families, too.”
Judge Chasanow’s memorandum opinion granting Levi’s release reads, in part:
“Upon full consideration of the factors, the court concludes that it would do little (if anything) to serve the goals of sentencing to require her to return to full custody. … During her incarceration, she took many courses, worked, and completed drug education.”
For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.
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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.