NON-VIOLENT MAN LOCKED UP FOR 20 YEARS FOR MARIJUANA: FREE VALON M. VAILES
Valon M. Vailes, inmate number 01394196:
On July 19, 2007, the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina Charlotte Division, the United States of America, found Mr. Vailes guilty with the conspiracy to possess marijuana with the intent to distribute and sentenced Mr. Vailes to a maximum of 20-years of imprisonment including 10-years of probation once released. He currently resides at the Otisville Correctional Facility, Otisville, New York, and is looking for support from advocates, friends, and family to support the petition of Valon Vailes clemency.
Over the past 14-years of Mr. Vailes imprisonment, the recreational use of marijuana has become legalized in several states across America, such as the "Commonwealth" state of Massachusetts, Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. We live in a time where this same plant substance [marijuana] is a commodity in the pharmaceutical industry, with a high demand for medicinal use, presently, legalized in 24 states in America for "medical use only"; the therapeutic hash is at an all-time time. In addition, the plant substance is listed as a Stock value on the market.
With the rise of the legalization of marijuana, many people are joining the "Green Rush," including celebrities like Actor Woody Harrelson—who believes the use of marijuana should be regarded as a "victimless crime" and a personal freedom. You have Snoop Dog and Wiz Khalifa as well as investing in the pot industry.
14-years is a long time to be still incarcerated for marijuana; Mr. Vailes has been away far too long from his family; he is the father of four children and a grandfather of three grandchildren.
The criminalization of marijuana exclusively affects Black/African Americans and the Hispanic community; people like Valon Vailes, are consistently over-incarcerated over non-violent offenses. It is the hope that you will be apart of the hashtag #FreeValon movement in support of him in being granted clemency. This injustice has caused years of mental anguish amongst his children, siblings, parents, and others affected by Valon's incarceration. Please sign and share the petition and let freedom prevail for the return of Valon Marcel Vailes.
