Michael Thompson, who was sentenced in Michigan to effectively a life-sentence for selling 3 pounds of marijuana in 1994, has been hospitalized for COVID-19, according to The Last Prisoner Project, an organization dedicated to bringing restorative justice to the cannabis industry.
Thompson is serving his sentence at Muskegon Correctional Facility in Michigan — a state that ironically approved recreational cannabis usage and sales in 2018. He has served 26 years of his 40 - 60 year sentence and now holds the unfortunate title of the longest serving, non-violent offender in Michigan history.
Earlier this year, prison reform, social justice and human rights advocates called for his release as the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the U.S. prison system. Despite this effort, which drew over 20,000 supporters including County Prosecutor David Leyton who said Michael's release best served "the interests of justice and fairness", Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer failed to act on his petition for clemency.
UPDATE: Thank you everyone for your ongoing support of Michael. Though he is feeling very weak the doctor confirmed he has no organ damage. Michael is positive he will get better. He is a fighter and will fight for his life. Now we must fight for his freedom. pic.twitter.com/MOrh9jE4sO
— The Last Prisoner Project (@lastprisonerprj) August 4, 2020
Adding to a greater sense of urgency for Michael's release during this health crisis, Thompson suffers from Type 2 diabetes and is 69 years of age - two of the highest risk categories for COVID-19 mortality.
You can read more about Michael Thompson's story on The Bluntness as well as watch The Last Prisoner Project's video below.
Celebrities Join the Call for the Release of Michael Thompson
Despite gubernatorial inaction, calls for Michael Thompson's release continued to grow this week as celebrity activists Montel Williams and Sarah Silverman urged government action on his clemency request.
How Can You Help with Michael Thompson's Fight for Freedom?
CALL THESE NUMBERS
Gov. Whitmer’s office: 517-373-3400
Michigan Parole Board: 517-373-0270
WRITE TO MICHAEL THOMPSON
Muskegon Correctional Facility
2400 S. Sheridan Rd.
Muskegon, MI 49442
Inmate #: 176309
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