Big Meech whose real name is Demetrius Flenory, and his brother Terry “Southwest T” Flenory were convicted in 2008. They both were sentenced to 30 years in prison for running a criminal enterprise. Since their imprisonment, a lot of people have stood up on their behalf and asked the president to show leniency towards the two. Just this year LL Cool J went to social media and requested that the president reduce the sentence of the two brothers. “30 years for a non violent crime seems heavy handed” the rap legend said in his letter.
These pleas have come in addition to Big Meech writing his own letter to Obama in 2013. The letter stated that given the opportunity at a second chance, he could make a difference. He used T.I as an example of how he could do something positive if he was released. “If I was home to take care of all of the legitimate opportunities that my fiance and I have, I could do just as much, if not more.” he wrote.
Despite his reluctance to commute or pardon Big Meech and his brother; Obama did commute a lot of prisoners who had convictions that centered around drug charges. An official statement from the White House stated that these individuals deserved a second chance. To read the full list of pardons and commutes, click here.