DRUG LIFER COUNTING ON GOVERNOR'S CLEMENCY

Larry Drum and his family were hoping for a Christmas gift from Gov.
Jennifer Granholm.

A month later, they're still hoping.

Drum, 70, has spent almost 17 years in prison after being sentenced to
life in prison on drug charges, and he has asked the governor to
commute his sentence.

Without a commutation, Drum would have to remain in prison until he is
at least 82.

His case has drawn widespread attention, including that of former Gov.
William G. Milliken, who signed the original lifer law for drug
offenders in 1978 but now believes the penalty is too harsh.

Drum's sister, Gayle Garcia of Lapeer Township, said she and her
brother thought they might hear something during the holidays but
admitted they set their expectations high.

"That didn't stop us from hoping," she said.

Drum was sentenced to life in prison in 1992 under a since-changed law
that was intended to snare drug kingpins by mandating life terms for
anyone convicted of having 650 grams or more of cocaine.

But instead of just getting the drug lords, the law also resulted in
long-term sentences for addicts and low-level drug couriers.

Drum was arrested after he delivered small amounts of cocaine to a
police informant, and police found cocaine in his roommate's bedroom
in a Birmingham apartment in 1986.

After his sentencing, the law was amended to open the possibility of
parole for Drum and about 170 others in similar situations.

Although the parole board in 2006 recommended against Drum's request
for commutation, he again made his case for freedom to the state
parole board in mid-November.

So far, Granholm has not made a decision.

"It's still under review," said Granholm spokeswoman Megan Brown,
adding there is no timeline for a decision.

Although the family thought the hearing went well and were encouraged
by the tone of the board's questions, the report is sealed. Drum said
he has no idea what's in the parole board's report.

All commutation requests are sent to Granholm for her review,
regardless of the board's recommendation on the application's merit.

"It's just a waiting game," said Garcia.

A group opposing mandatory-minimum sentencing commended Granholm for
considering Drum's case.

Laura Sager, a consultant with Families Against Mandatory Minimums,
said Drum is just one of many inmates who were sentenced to harsh
prison terms under a "Draconian law."

Drum has been busy retiling floors at the Macomb Correctional Facility
and won't have another chance to plead his case until his next parole
hearing is held in October.

Even if he gets parole on the life charge, however, he might still
have to serve at least another 10 years on two other cocaine-related
sentences that were ordered to run consecutively to the life sentence.

With the commutation, Garcia said, her brother could be free within 30
days of the governor's signature.

If Granholm says no, Garcia said the fight will go
on.

"But I honestly don't know what the next step will be," she said.