MICHAEL THOMPSON

The Flint native was granted clemency by Gov. Whitmer in 2020

The Flint native was granted clemency by Gov. Whitmer in 2020

The Sept. 16 event was created by Michael Thompson, a Flint man, who was released from prison on January 28, 2021 after serving 25 years for a non-violent offense involving the transfer of cannabis. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for prior drug convictions and 42 to 60 years for firearm possession charges. Horace PetersonThompson served 10 years in prison with Peterson, one of the prisoners he wants released. Our conversations go deep.”Related: Michigan man commuted by Gov. He was there to support Thompson’s clemency project, along with emphasizing the importance of fair prison sentences and understanding wrongdoing.

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FLINT, MI -- Michael Thompson, a Flint man who served 25 years for the sale of marijuana on a crime that is no longer illegal, was recently featured in an Oscar-nominated documentary. “The Sentence of Michael Thompson” will play at the Capitol Theatre, 140 E. 2nd St., in Flint at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 19. Thompson has been touring the country to share the film and his story for prison reform at film festivals throughout the United States. Thompson’s visit to Flint will be the “homecoming” showing, according to a news release from the Michael Thompson Clemency Project. The families of 12 incarcerated individuals that the clemency project is fighting to be released will all be in attendance.

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BURTON, MI — For nearly a year, Michael Thompson has been living life on the other side of cement walls, cold metal bars, a monotonous routine with no breaks and the absence of joy. Today, he lives life surrounded by his family, including his daughters and many grandchildren - a true delight - that just was not possible this time last year.

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In 2018, Michigan voters approved legalizing cannabis for adults age 21 and older, including possession, use, and cultivation. But what about all the people with...

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Five inmates and five families want to give their loved ones a second chance at freedom.

BURTON, MI — Selling marijuana sent Michael Thompson to prison years ago, but today a company that sells the substance is helping him to get a message out. Bob Dodge, co-owner of UBaked in Burton, saw news reports about Thompson’s decades long prison sentence being commuted by Gov. As someone who profits off the product that put Thompson in prison, Dodge felt compelled to reach out. The charges included three drug charges: possession with intent to sell, conspiracy to possess with intent to sell and selling marijuana, as well as two weapons charges. Read more on MLive:Life after prison: Michigan men aim to mentor those the justice system gave upInside Michigan man’s prison sentence: No visitors for nearly 20 years, losing a son and COVID-19 battleMichigan man commuted by Gov.

FLINT, MI – Former prisoner Michael Thompson wants change for the incarcerated. Instead of sticking to a guideline or textbook, he would level with inmates and speak from experience. “I was knocking down the walls with them and they were getting emotional, breaking down, crying and these guys weren’t there for no certificate,” Thompson said. The charges included three drug charges: possession with intent to sell, conspiracy to possess with intent to sell and selling marijuana, and two weapons charges. Watch the video above and below to hear about his experiences, and what he hopes to do to continue to work with prison reform.

FLINT, MI — There’s a stark juxtaposition to Michael Thompson’s former life in prison to the life he’s living now on the other side of the prison bars. For most people leaving prison, there are many barriers that have to be climbed to achieve the aforementioned things. Related: Inside Michigan man’s prison sentence: No visitors for nearly 20 years, losing a son and COVID-19 battleLeon El-Alamin, 40, had a much different experience when he left prison 11 years ago. He served time in prison from 2003 to 2010 for possession with intent to sell crack cocaine and for felony firearms. “After several trials and errors and road blocks being put in my face from housing, to even schooling and education, I decided to create and form the MADE Institute,” El-Alamin said.

FLINT, MI — Over the course of more than two decades, Michael Thompson survived life in prison. When she got there, prison officials told her that her father didn’t want to see her or anyone else. “His dignity is one thing,” Littles explained. Gretchen Whitmer commuted Thompson’s sentence in late December. In late July, he was transferred to Duane L. Waters Hospital, inside the Michigan State Prison, in Jackson.

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FLINT, MI — Less than a week after Michael Thompson was released from prison - where he served 25 years for a marijuana case - he will now have the opportunity to purchase his own home. Thompson, 69, was released Jan. 28 from Charles Egeler Reception And Guidance Center in Jackson after serving a quarter-century in prison. Related: ‘I’m happy that I’m free:’ Michigan man released from prison after serving 25 years for marijuana case“I’m thankful,” Thompson said to MLive-The Flint Journal in a phone interview. Gretchen Whitmer commuted Thompson’s sentence on Dec. 22. Related: Man who served 20 years in marijuana case has sentenced commuted by governor“Individuals with past drug or felony convictions are usually ineligible for public housing.

(CNN) – A Michigan man who spent more than 2 decades in prison on a marijuana conviction is now a free man — after his sentence was commuted by Gov. Thompson was originally sentenced to up to 60 years in prison for selling marijuana to an undercover police officer in 1996. Now, marijuana is legal for adult use in Michigan. This wasn’t the first time Thompson’s case was in front of a Michigan governor. This was all made possible in part by the Prisoner Project which is backed by celebrities like Sarah Silverman, Jim Belushi and Snoop Dog.

JACKSON, MI -- Michael Thompson walked out of the Charles Egeler Reception And Guidance Center at 4 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28 a free man. Gretchen Whitmer granted Thompson’s request for clemency in December. Two daughters and a granddaughter were there to greet him as he left the prison. Check out the video above to see him walk out of the prison and hear what he had to say. Read more on MLive:Man who served 20 years in marijuana case has sentenced commuted by governor‘I feel like a million bucks’: Daughter of Michigan prisoner granted clemency rejoicesMichigan AG ‘horrified’ by Michael Thompson’s 42-to-62 year sentence for 1994 marijuana case

JACKSON, MI — Michael Thompson was greeted by his daughters and granddaughter, who he has never met, as he stepped out of prison after serving more than 20 years for a crime that is no longer illegal. Gretchen Whitmer granted Thompson and three others clemency on Dec. 22. This fall, she sent a letter to Whitmer asking her to exercise her executive power and commute Thompson’s sentence. Thompson said he plans to help others who are still incarcerated for charges related to marijuana. Related: ‘I feel like a million bucks’: Daughter of Michigan prisoner granted clemency rejoices“I’m happy that I’m free, but there’s so much work to be done with prison reform,” Thompson said.

click to enlarge MDOCTemujin Kensu in 1985, left, and today. But supporters remain hopeful because Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's newly created Conviction Integrity Unit is considering an application from Kensu. "This is where our confidence lies," David Sanders of the Royal Oak-based Proving Innocence project told the paper. "We fully trust that the CIU's independent review will reveal without a doubt that a great injustice was done to Temujin. "Our hope is that that the attorney general will present the facts from this comprehensive investigation to the governor and she will do the right thing and finally free a man so terribly wronged.

Gretchen Whitmer signed "Clean Slate" bills into law in October, erasing the cannabis-related criminal records of thousands of Michigan residents. "The statement was shared by the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit dedicated to cannabis criminal justice reform. "One of our founding principles is that we would like to see the day when every last cannabis prisoner is free," Gersten says. "Second, the removal of lasting barriers to reentry like a criminal record, and achieving a clean slate for our constituents. You can learn more about the Last Prisoner Project at lastprisonerproject.org

“As a former prosecutor, I recognize how critical it is to take steps toward a smarter and more equitable justice system. Over the last two years, we’ve worked with leaders on both sides of the aisle to make tremendous progress to give people a second chance, from reforming civil asset forfeiture to becoming a national leader on expungement,” Whitmer said. “These commutations offer a second chance to four individuals who have accepted responsibility and paid their debts to society and whose sentences span decades for non-violent offenses. We still have a lot of work to do, but today is a step in the right direction, and I’m confident that Michigan can continue to be a national leader in smart justice.”

FLINT, MI -- When Rashawnda Littles’ father is released from prison, it’ll be the second time she’s seen him from behind bars since she was 19 years old. Gretchen Whitmer granted Thompson clemency on Tuesday, Dec. 22. Related: Man who served 20 years in marijuana case has sentenced commuted by governor“I feel like a million bucks. I’m so excited I can’t think,” Littles exclaimed moments after she was told the good news about her father coming home from her cousin. Early on in his sentence, Littles had no doubt that Thompson would be home in no time.

Gretchen Whitmer has granted Michael Thompson’s request for clemency. On Tuesday, Dec. 22, Whitmer granted Thompson’s and three others requests for clemency after reviewing the applications and recommendations by the Michigan Parole Board. Thompson’s commutation makes him immediately eligible for parole consideration and subsequent release consistent with state law. This fall, she sent a letter to Whitmer asking her to exercise her executive power and commute Thompson’s sentence. Based on the affirmative recommendation of the Michigan Parole Board, Michael Thompson along with Lawrence Cadroy, Lorenzo Garrett, and Larry McGhee all received commutations Tuesday for their non-violent sentences.

Gretchen Whitmer has commuted the sentences of four men who were spending decades in prison for nonviolent crimes. He’s served 22 years, and his earliest possible release date was in 2038. He’s served 21 years, and his earliest possible release date was in 2030. He’s served 22 years, and his earliest possible release date was in 2027. He’s served 16 years, and his earliest possible release date was in 2024.

“As a former prosecutor, I recognize how critical it is to take steps toward a smarter and more equitable justice system. Over the last two years, we’ve worked with leaders on both sides of the aisle to make tremendous progress to give people a second chance, from reforming civil asset forfeiture to becoming a national leader on expungement,” Whitmer said. “These commutations offer a second chance to four individuals who have accepted responsibility and paid their debts to society and whose sentences span decades for non-violent offenses. We still have a lot of work to do, but today is a step in the right direction, and I’m confident that Michigan can continue to be a national leader in smart justice.”

click to enlarge Michigan Department of CorrectionsMichael Thompson was sentenced to up to 60 years in prison. In October, Whitmer signed a "clean slate" package of bills to remove pot-related convictions from the records of up to 234,000 Michigan residents. "Michael Thompson was sentenced on May 31, 1996 to 40-60 years in prison for firearms possession by a felon after selling three pounds of marijuana to an undercover cop. He served 22 years on a sentence that was scheduled for an earliest release date of 2027.McGhee was sentenced on July 1, 2004 to 20-30 years in prison for selling drugs. He served 16 years on a sentence that was scheduled for an earliest release date of 2024.

Speaking during the more than two-hour public hearing, Thompson said he’d been friends with the informant for around five years. Timothy S. Flanagan, a member of the Michigan Parole Board who conducted the hearing, noted Thompson only had one misconduct on his prison record. Related: Genesee County prosecutor seeks clemency for man serving 40-year drug sentenceThe sentence Thompson received appears harsh, Leyton said, even including prior convictions, which the judge did. “What I’ve done before I came to prison...I’m far from that.”No immediate decision was made following Tuesday’s public hearing. Any recommendation by the parole board is not binding, with the final sign-off on a potential commutation of Thompson’s sentence requiring the governor’s approval.

Brandt Snedeker hits his third shot on the 16th hole during the first round of the Houston Open golf tournament Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, in Houston. Snedeker shot a 5-under 65 in the afternoon to take a two-stroke lead in the last event before the Masters. “Drove it great,” Snedeker said. “Around this golf course you have to be in the fairway, otherwise it’s going to be a long day for you. “The golf course kind of forces you into being patient just because you can’t really miss too many greens,” Scheffler said.

BLAINE, Minn. Michael Thompson birdied two of the last three holes Sunday for a 4-under 67 and a two-stroke victory in the 3M Open, finishing off his second PGA Tour win seven years after his first. Thompson finished at 19-under 265 at TPC Twin Cities. With Long in the clubhouse, having played five groups ahead, Thompson had two putts to win. Finau was the only one in contention this weekend who'd already secured his U.S. Open spot, thanks to his seventh-place finish in the FedEx Cup standings last year and No. His tee shot was well wide of the fairway, and his fourth try from the rough did not reach the green.

Richy Werenski celebrates after a birdie on the 18th hole to give him the lead of the during the first round of the 3M Open golf tournament in Blaine, Minn., Thursday, July 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton- King)

Michael Thompson chips on the 9th hole of the during the first round of the 3M Open golf tournament in Blaine, Minn., Thursday, July 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton- King)BLAINE, Minn. Richy Werenski birdied three of the last four holes Saturday to erase a four-stroke deficit and catch Michael Thompson for the 3M Open lead. After sharing the halfway lead, Thompson and Werenski traveled on vastly different paths to each shoot 3-under 68 before walking together to the clubhouse even again. Charl Schwartzel shot a 66 in the third round, pulling even with Tony Finau for third place at 13 under. Werenski, whose 63 in the first round is tied for the low score of the tournament, birdied that hole.

Richy Werenski celebrates after a birdie on the 18th hole to give him the lead of the during the first round of the 3M Open golf tournament in Blaine, Minn., Thursday, July 23, 2020. The 24-year-old, who's winless on the PGA Tour, followed up with a 67. You know youre playing good golf, Finau said. Thompson, who played in the first group of the day with a 6:50 a.m., moved even with Werenski on the 194-yard 17th hole. The big thing is just try not to overpower the golf course, stay within myself, make good, comfortable swings, Thompson said.

Tony Finau tees off on the fourth hole during the first round of the 3M Open golf tournament in Blaine, Minn., Thursday, July 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton- King)BLAINE, Minn. Richy Werenski made a short birdie putt on the par-5 18th for an 8-under 63 and the first-round lead Thursday in the 3M Open, while Dustin Johnson withdrew because of a back injury after a 78. The 24-year-old Werenski is winless in on the PGA Tour and ranked 248th in the world. Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Tommy Fleetwood and Finau were the only entrants in the top 25 of the world ranking. At the end of his first nine, Johnson started the 599-yard, dog-leg 18th hole with a solid drive off the tee.

Jordan Spieth putts on the 10th green during the first round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Hilton Head Island, S.C. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)Ian Poulter and Mark Hubbard set the pace for good scoring through a brief spell of rain at Hilton Head. Spieth didn't figure to be part of the conversation until bouncing back from a triple bogey with eight birdies for a 66. It was the kind of break Spieth has seen far too often during three years without a victory. He was on such a roll that Spieth began to contemplate eight straight birdies to end his round. Michael did a great job of reminding me that today when it wasnt going well on my front nine, Spieth said.

Here's a look at what motivates tattletale kids, plus nine tips and ideas to help kids break the habit and build conflict resolution skills. The tattletale kids phenomenon is common especially among children ages 5 to 10. Kids who tattle get labeled tattletale, squealer, snitch and left out, says Thompson. If you are harsh and judgmental with your children, theyll act the same way with peers.How to respondIt seems obvious: Giving attention to tattletale kids will only reward them for it. Wait it outMost tattletale kids outgrow the whole business as they mature.

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Thompson sued the cemetery in August after it objected to his plans to exhume the grave as part of a television documentary. Thompson has said he has evidence Dillinger's body may not be buried there, and that he may not have been the man FBI agents fatally shot outside a Chicago theater on July 22, 1934. The History Channel dropped out of the planned documentary in September.

1," is set to be exhumed at the end of this year at the wishes of Dillinger's niece and nephew. Michael Thompson, Dillinger's nephew, submitted an application to the Indiana State Department of Health for a permit to disinter the grave underneath Dillinger's headstone, according to documents obtained by CNN affiliate WXIN. The documents contain an affidavit from Dillinger's niece, Carol Thompson, which builds the case that someone other than her Dillinger is buried in the grave. According to the conventional narrative, Dillinger was buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 26, 1934. But that planned dig was halted during a dispute between the family and Crown Hill Cemetery.