In the heartland of America, stories of cannabis injustice unfold, shedding light on the flaws within our criminal justice system. Deshaun Durham, a 23-year-old from Manhattan, Kansas, shares his tale of a 92-month sentence for a non-violent marijuana crime, serving time at Hutchinson Correctional Facility. His narrative, marked by systemic issues and stark disparities, echoes the broader call for reform.
My Story of Injustice
By Deshaun Durham
"My name is Deshaun Durham. I am from Manhattan, Kansas. I am currently doing a 92 month sentence for a non-violent marijuana crime. I have never had anything on my record. I am a first time offender. I was also about to attend Kansas State. It’s hard in here at Hutchinson Correctional Facility. I just turned 23 and have been locked up for 20 months already. I get out in 2028. LPP newsletter brought me hope that maybe one day things will change. The same judge that sentenced me gave another person two years probation for drunk driving and killing two people. I too am a victim of systemic racism. This newsletter gave me a lot of hope in a very dark time. Be well guys, things will change. Sincerely, Deshaun Durham."
Deshaun is currently serving an 8 year sentence in Kansas. He is passionate about football and loves the Kansas Chiefs. He hopes to attend welding school and start a family.
Deshaun's plight resonates with countless others, including individuals like Antonio Wyatt, who LPP is helping navigate the labyrinth of the clemency process in Kansas. In 2021, Antonio faced a denial of justice in his first attempt at clemency by the Prisoner Review Board. However, hope persists as LPP's #FreeAntonioWyatt campaign reignites the fight for justice and urges Governor Kelly to grant cannabis clemency to all still in prison for cannabis in Kansas.
Now, it's time for the public to amplify their voices and make a tangible impact. You can send a letter to the Prisoner Review Board and Gov. Kelly urging them to grant cannabis clemency for all those still incarcerated for non-violent offenses in Kansas.
Deshaun Durham's journey reflects the broader issues within the criminal justice system, where first-time, non-violent offenders face disproportionately harsh sentences. By connecting Deshaun's story with Antonio's campaign, we see a broader pattern of systemic flaws that demand our attention and action. Let's stand together, for people like Deshaun and Antonio, and push for meaningful change in Kansas. Write a letter, make a call, and be a part of the movement for cannabis justice.
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