Governor Laura Kelly Grants Clemency to Deshaun Durham Ending His Almost 8-Year Cannabis Sentence
Topeka, KS — In a win for cannabis justice, Governor Laura Kelly has granted clemency to Deshaun T. Durham, a 24-year-old Kansas resident sentenced to 92 months in prison for a first-time cannabis offense. After more than 2.5 years of incarceration and tireless advocacy from the Last Prisoner Project, Deshaun is set to be released next month.
According to the Kansas Sentencing Commission, courts across Kansas typically give probation for people with no criminal history. It was a rare occurrence for a first-time offender such as Deshaun to receive this harsh sentence, especially for cannabis. But, Deshaun stayed active in prison and is passionate about football (he loves the Kansas City Chiefs). He hopes to attend welding school and start a family after he is released.
Governor Kelly’s decision to right history by commuting Durham’s sentence highlights her commitment to criminal justice reform, particularly especially for nonviolent offenders. This clemency comes in response to mounting support from advocates, including Last Prisoner Project Advocacy Associate, Donte West, who has worked diligently to bring attention to Durham’s case along with filing the clemency with the assistance of Deshaun's attorney Barry Grissom.
Deshaun’s mother, Brandi, along with advocates and supporters nationwide, are celebrating his release. “Governor Kelly’s decision shows compassion and justice for my son,” Brandi shared. “We are beyond grateful to have Deshaun coming home.”
In his role with Last Prisoner Project, West has helped raise awareness for people like Durham, who faced disproportionately severe sentences for cannabis-related offenses. "Deshaun Durham is a prime example of how the time may not fit the crime. " said West. "Governor Kelly’s administration has granted Deshaun the ultimate gift anyone can receive which is freedom. This clemency reflects her recognition that people like Deshaun don’t belong behind bars for unjust cannabis charges."
Gov. Laura Kelly has been an advocate for those incarcerated on low-level marijuana offenses and previously commuted the sentence of LPP constituent, Joseph Agrillo. She had said, “Right now we are incarcerating many, many people who are nonviolent, first-time drug offenders. Those folks no more belong in prison than you or I." This is another step in Gov. Kelly's efforts to repair the harms for those impacted by cannabis criminalization and we hope that it inspires other lawmakers to right history as well.
The Last Prisoner Project extends its gratitude to Governor Kelly, Barry Grissom, Donte West and all those who championed this cause, including musician and advocate Melissa Etheridge, who sent a personal appeal to the Governor on Deshaun’s behalf.
"I’m overjoyed to hear that Deshaun Durham is going home to his family this week," said Melissa Etheridge. "Huge gratitude to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for her wisdom and care in recognizing the disproportionate nature of Deshaun’s sentence, and granting him a commutation. This kind of advocacy by the Last Prisoner Project is why I’m so proud to be one of their Ambassadors."
The clemency decision is a significant step in Kansas’s progress toward a fairer criminal justice system. Durham’s case serves as a reminder of the need to address similar injustices for nonviolent cannabis offenders nationwide. We look forward to working with policymakers until everyone impacted by cannabis incarceration in Kansas is fully free.
