Technicality Sends Man Back To Prison After Two Years Of Freedom Following 21 Year Prison Stint

-blogged by @theRealAlexisDanielle

After being released two years ago following a 21-year bid, a black man is going back to prison due to a technicality. 

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Recently passed guidelines from the Obama Administration allowed Matthew Charles’ 35-year-sentence to be reduced leading to his release in 2016. Charles was sentenced for selling crack to an informant. 

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However, after an investigation following his release authorities found that a previous offense made Charles a “career offender,” thus the guidelines technically did not apply to him. 

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“It was like a 180 from what I had thought would happen. I’m just disappointed, again,” Charles said after the state successfully appealed his release.“But I believe that God is still in charge of the situation. He hasn’t revealed to me what he’s doing yet, but my faith remains the same.” 

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According to the trying judge, her hands were tied.

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Nashville Public Radio reports that Charles had upheld a model lifestyle for the last two years as he was in prison. He led GED courses for inmates and even helped others through grievances. Now, the publication reports, Charles has “held a steady job. He volunteers every Saturday, has reconnected with his family and started a serious relationship.”