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Obama reduces prison sentences for 214 people, including Wilmington man

A Wilmington man was among 214 people whose sentences were cut short by President Obama Wednesday.  

Richard Reid had been sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2007 for multiple charges, including possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine.  

His sentence will now end in August of 2018.

Many of the people who received reduced sentences Wednesday were nonviolent drug offenders.

In a Facebook post, President Obama said these people “were serving unjust and outdated prison sentences” that are a result of mandatory minimum sentencing.

The president is reducing these types of sentences as he seeks federal sentencing reform in Congress.

President Obama has reduced more sentences than the past nine presidents combined.