News & Media

Since forming in 1991, FAMM has developed a team of attorneys, advocates and researchers with extensive expertise in crafting and advancing state and federal legislative reforms; working with the U.S. Sentencing Commission; improving the executive clemency process; and navigating the complex traits of federal sentencing policy. We’ve also put together a large collection of deeply researched case profiles highlighting FAMM members who have been subjected to onerous prison sentences. FAMM staffers are available to answer questions regarding the politics and policy of sentencing reform, and our research team is available to walk journalists through prisoners’ cases.

Have a question, or need to reach out to one of FAMM’s expert staff members? Our media relations team is happy to help!

For FAMM’s work at the federal level, contact Rabiah A. Burks at 202-999-4258.

For FAMM’s work at the state level, contact Tripp Laino at 202-999-4273.

If you have a general question for FAMM and are not a member of the media, contact Debi Campbell at 202-621-5041.

New to the Issues?

We encourage journalists who have never covered sentencing before—and any veterans looking to brush up—to check out our Sentencing 101 page. If you’d like to write about someone who’s serving an unjust sentence, you can check out our profiles page. To see what FAMM is doing to change sentencing policy at the state and federal levels, you can find our work here. To learn about current sentencing reform legislation in Congress, visit our U.S. Congress page.

Ready to become an expert in federal sentencing? Visit our briefing book on mandatory minimum sentences for congressional staff.

In addition to work for reform at the federal level, FAMM is currently working in the following four states. Click the state to learn about FAMM’s efforts there.

Recent Press Releases:

FAMM welcomes Emily Bloomenthal as Director of Research and Sheryl Eastman as Development Director

Monday, August 2, 2021

Media Contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm.org FAMM welcomes Emily Bloomenthal as Director of Research and Sheryl Eastman as Development Director WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring today announced the hiring of Emily Bloomenthal as Director of Research and Sheryl Eastman as Development Director. “We are excited to have Emily and Sheryl joining our team,” said FAMM President Kevin … Read More

James Cadogan, Executive Director, National Basketball Social Justice Coalition at NBA to join in-person press briefing on criminal justice reform Tuesday

Monday, July 26, 2021

Contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm.org James Cadogan, Executive Director, National Basketball Social Justice Coalition at NBA to join in-person press briefing on criminal justice reform Tuesday Rep. Jeffries, Rep. Armstrong, families and FAMM also scheduled to speak WASHINGTON – James Cadogan, the Executive Director of National Basketball Social Justice Coalition at the NBA, will speak at … Read More

Rep. Jeffries, Rep. Armstrong, Families and FAMM to Speak at In-Person Press Briefing on Criminal Justice Reform in 2021

Friday, July 23, 2021

Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org Rep. Jeffries, Rep. Armstrong, Families and FAMM to Speak at In-Person Press Briefing on Criminal Justice Reform in 2021 WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jeffries (D-NY), Rep. Armstrong (R-ND) and other congressional leaders, impacted individuals and families, leading justice reform advocacy groups, and other special guests will speak at an in-person press briefing … Read More

FAMM releases statement on DOJ’s decision to drop Mack Appeal

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org FAMM releases statement on DOJ’s decision to drop Mack Appeal WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring hailed the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to drop its appeal of the First Step Act release of Jesse Opher, Hassan Hawkins, and Rodney and Ronald Mack. “We are so happy for these guys,” Ring said. “They have … Read More

FAMM statement on the House Judiciary Committee’s passage of the EQUAL Act

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org FAMM statement on the House Judiciary Committee’s passage of the EQUAL Act WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring released the following statement in response to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s passage of the EQUAL Act today. The EQUAL Act would end the disparity in federal prison sentences for crack and powder cocaine-related crimes. … Read More

Gwen Levi to serve as spokesperson for FAMM’s #KeepThemHome campaign

Friday, July 9, 2021

Contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm.org Gwen Levi to serve as spokesperson for FAMM’s #KeepThemHome campaign WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring today announced that Gwendolyn Levi has agreed to serve as a spokesperson for the group’s #KeepThemHome campaign, which is focused on securing clemency for the 4,000 people on federal home confinement. “Gwen’s story captured people’s attention … Read More