InnocentAppeal. Lithere Forbes started this petition to FAMM and 4 others
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 12-years of Mr. Vailes incarceration, 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 are living in a different time, where marijuana is, a commodity amongst the pharmaceutical companies, due to the high demand of the medicinal use of marijuana, that has been legalized in 24 states in America for “medical use only”; the therapeutic hash is at an all-time time. With the rise of 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.
12-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 two grandchildren, with one on the way.
The criminalization of marijuana exclusively affects Black/African American, 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 is an injustice that has caused years of anguish amongst his children, siblings, parents, and others affected by Valon incarceration. Please sign and share the petition and let freedom prevail for the return of Valon Marcel Vailes.