Louisiana Man Among Group Granted Commutation Of Sentences

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — President Barack Obama is commuting the sentences of 42 people, including a Louisiana man, convicted of drug-related offenses.

Roughly half of those receiving commutations Friday were serving life sentences. Most are nonviolent offenders, although a few also faced firearms violations. Obama's commutation shortens their sentences, with most set to be released Oct. 1.

Cleon Jermaine Hawkins, of Baker, Louisiana, is among those getting a sentence cut.

He was sentenced in 2008 to 15 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Obama's latest round of clemency brings to 348 the total number of sentences he's commuted since taking office. The pace has increased substantially as Obama approaches the end of his presidency.

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