DOJ to begin releasing 6,112 federal inmates this weekend

Beginning this weekend, over 6000 inmates will be released from federal prison due to changes in sentencing guidelines for nonviolent drug offenses.

“Over the past two decades, the federal prison population has increased dramatically, and offenses carrying mandatory minimum sentences have played a significant role in that increase.

“Mandatory minimum penalties have led to unintended disparate consequences and contributed to the current crisis with the federal prison population and budget,” Chief Judge Patti B. Saris, the chairwoman of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, said.