Two men are now free after their sentences were commuted by President Donald Trump during his final hours.
In addition, Trump also gave presidential pardons to former adviser Steve Bannon and rapper Lil Wayne.
In the list naming more than 100 inmates, two Texas men sentences were commuted.
Skyler Scott reacted to the news of his father, Ferrell Scott, who is now 58 years old, on his newfound freedom.
“Couldn’t believe it, it has been so long and now we are finally here and its happening. I can’t believe it,” Skylar said.
Ferrell had been charged and convicted in federal court on conspiracy to distribute marijuana charges back in 2008.
The third strike law meant his sentence was an automatic life without parole.
Brittany K. Barnett, the attorney of Ferrell, spoke with news reporters as they waited for his release.
“He woke up this morning with a life sentence without parole. He is going to be taking his first step as a free man in over a decade very soon,” she said.
James Brian Cruz’s federal conviction was also commuted.
The now 41-year-old, has already served 20 years of a 40-year sentence on charges for possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Senior Pastor of First Baptist Dallas, Dr. Robert Jeffress, advocated for Cruz. He was on former President Trump’s faith advisory council.
“When a request came to me that I contact the White House on James behalf, I was more than willing to do so,” expressed Jeffress.
Although he has never me Cruz, he had learned of his work leading the Christian Prison Ministry.
Alice Johnson has also advocated on behalf of Cruz as well.
“James and other inmates, they were guilty, they deserved the time they were given, but they got grace instead of justice and that is a great picture for what God does for us,” added Jeffress.
Jeffress mentioned that Cruz watches First Baptist in prison and invited him to visit in person.
