RUDI GAMMO’S STORY

In 2018 Rudi Gammo was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in Michigan state prison. His crime? Operating a city of Detroit-sanctioned medical dispensary, and allowing the caregivers who supplied the dispensary with medical marijuana to cultivate the plant in his homes.

The same year Rudi was sent to prison, Michigan residents voted to legalize adult-use marijuana...a measure that has since given rise to a multibillion-dollar industry in the state. As many, most notably Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald (who has since agreed to drop all of Rudi’s charges) have noted, the offenses Rudi was charged with are no longer considered felonies.

In October of last year, Rudi, a father-of-three, received a call that would change his life forever. His wife Vida let him know that their then six-year-old son, Santino, had been diagnosed with leukemia and would have to begin an intensive inpatient chemotherapy course. Weeks later, in yet another tragic twist of fate, Rudi, who suffers from chronic stomach ulcers and degenerative joint disease, was infected with COVID-19. 

CURRENT SITUATION

Earlier this year (and with the expressed support of McDonald) Gammo’s legal team filed a motion ​​requesting the court set aside his guilty pleas and/or re-sentence him. 

Tragically, that motion was denied by the Honorable Judge Matis last Friday. This was an extremely unlikely outcome, especially given McDonald’s support, Rudi’s clean record in prison, his well-developed post-release plan, and the supportive family and community waiting to welcome Rudi home.

Fortunately, Rudi’s attorneys have one last attempt to secure his freedom. Within the next two weeks, Rudi’s legal team will file a motion for reconsideration. This will give Judge Matis yet another opportunity to take a stand against injustice and allow Rudi to walk free and return home to his family. We sincerely hope he seizes it.

HOW YOU CAN HELP 

On Wednesday, September 1 from 10 - 11 am ET the Michigan Cannabis Freedom Coalition will host a demonstration for Rudi’s freedom at the Oakland County Courthouse (1200 N Telegraph Rd, Pontiac, MI). 

This peaceful protest will make it clear to state authorities that the public is opposed to their senseless and unjust decision to deny Rudi his freedom. We encourage you to join Rudi’s family, friends, and supporters in making your voices heard.