Vietnam Veteran Seeks Clemency After 37 Years Behind Bars

Michael Montalvo, a 78-year-old Vietnam veteran, has spent 37 years in U.S. federal prison for leading a cocaine-selling enterprise. Despite earning a law degree and aiding fellow inmates towards freedom, Montalvo is barred from seeking compassionate release due to legal quirks. His only hopes are death or a presidential clemency from Joe Biden.

Michael Montalvo, a Vietnam War veteran, has been incarcerated for 37 years in a U.S. federal prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar cocaine network in California. During his imprisonment, Montalvo earned a law degree and has actively helped other inmates achieve freedom through compassionate release programs.

However, because of legal technicalities, the 78-year-old cannot apply for compassionate release himself. His only avenues to freedom are either through death or by obtaining clemency from President Joe Biden. Montalvo is among over 7,000 federal inmates seeking clemency from Biden before his term concludes.

Legal experts argue that Montalvo, who was neither violent nor a threat to society, deserves clemency. They highlight that his life sentence, imposed for a crime that would today receive a much lenient punishment, is a result of outdated federal sentencing guidelines. Advocates urge President Biden to use his clemency powers to address this issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)