TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Three New Jersey men are among 209 federal inmates to have their sentences commuted by President Barack Obama.
All three were serving more than 20 years for drug distribution offenses. The White House announced Tuesday that their sentences will be commuted to expire May 17.
Timothy Barker, of Pleasantville, was sentenced in 2002 to 30 years for selling, distributing, possessing and dispensing drugs. Passaic resident Arthur Edmonds was sentenced in 2003 to more than 27 years on similar charges.
Keith Wooten of Plainfield, was sentenced in 2001 to more than 21 years for conspiracy and possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute.
Obama has long called for phasing out strict sentences for drug offenses, arguing they lead to excessive punishment and incarceration rates unseen in other developed countries.
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