Richard DeLisi, 71, walked out of a Florida prison on Tuesday, a free man after serving 31 years of a 90-year sentence for marijuana trafficking. His release marks the end of a decades-long ordeal that saw him lose his wife, son, parents, and miss countless milestones, including the births of two granddaughters. His story underscores the harsh realities of outdated drug laws and the devastating impact on individuals and families.
DeLisi’s release was championed by the Last Prisoner Project, an organization dedicated to freeing individuals incarcerated for cannabis offenses. They believe DeLisi’s sentence, handed down in 1989, was the longest ever served for a non-violent cannabis crime. While the typical sentence for similar offenses at the time ranged from 12 to 17 years, DeLisi received a staggering 90 years, a sentence he believes was influenced by prejudice due to his Italian heritage and New York origins.
Photo Courtesy: Last Prisoner Project
A Life Interrupted: Decades Behind Bars
During his incarceration, DeLisi experienced unimaginable loss. His wife, son, and both parents passed away. His daughter suffered a debilitating stroke after a severe car accident. Two granddaughters were born, their lives unfolding without the presence of their grandfather. These losses represent the immeasurable cost of his excessively long sentence.
Finding Strength and Purpose in Adversity
Despite the hardships he endured, DeLisi emerged from prison with a remarkable spirit of resilience and forgiveness. He speaks of his time behind bars as a transformative experience, crediting his newfound faith with helping him find peace and purpose. He became a mentor to younger inmates, guiding them away from gang life and towards personal growth.
DeLisi entered prison illiterate but taught himself to read and write, a testament to his determination and desire for self-improvement. He now plans to dedicate his life to advocating for criminal justice reform and the release of other non-violent cannabis offenders through his organization, FreeDeLisi.com.
Reuniting with Family and Embracing Freedom
DeLisi’s reunion with his family was an emotional moment filled with tears and joy. He finally met his 11-year-old and 1-year-old granddaughters, embracing the simple pleasures of watching them play. His son, Rick, who was only 11 when his father was imprisoned, expressed the bittersweet mix of happiness and grief at finally having his father back.
Richard DeLisi with his familyPhoto Courtesy: Last Prisoner Project
The DeLisi family has incurred significant financial burdens over the years, spending over $250,000 on legal fees and $80,000 on international phone calls. However, they emphasize that their focus is not on recouping these costs, but on rebuilding their lives and cherishing the time they now have together. Simple acts, like sharing a meal or watching his father enjoy a beverage not purchased from the prison commissary, hold immense significance for Rick.
The Fight for Justice Continues
While DeLisi is grateful for his freedom, his son, Rick, grapples with the injustice of his father’s lengthy sentence. He questions who is accountable for the decades stolen from their family and the devastating ripple effects it caused. The family’s story highlights the urgent need for criminal justice reform and the reassessment of harsh drug sentencing laws.
Richard DeLisi shortly after his releasePhoto Courtesy: Last Prisoner Project
Chiara Juster, a former Florida prosecutor who worked pro bono on DeLisi’s case for the Last Prisoner Project, condemned the excessive sentence as a “sick indictment of our nation.” DeLisi’s case underscores the ongoing need to address the legacy of outdated drug policies and their devastating impact on individuals and families.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Advocacy and Healing
Richard DeLisi’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and hope. While he can never reclaim the lost years, he is determined to use his experience to advocate for change and help others caught in the web of unjust drug laws. His journey from prisoner to activist is a powerful reminder of the importance of second chances and the ongoing fight for a more just and equitable criminal justice system. His release marks not an end, but a beginning, a chance to rebuild a life shattered by an excessive sentence and to work towards a future where others don’t suffer the same fate.
