In 2020, Tennessee reformed its misguided drug-free school zone law. Still after the reform, there are loved ones serving sentences longer than is necessary or appropriate based on the same drug-free zone enhancement they reformed.

While Congress has made some recent changes to our sentencing laws, the drug-free zone reforms were NOT made retroactive. In other words, these reforms only impact new cases, leaving many loved ones who are incarcerated left to serve mandatory sentences and outdated punishments because their case came before the law was passed. Too many loved ones are being left behind by not making this law retroactive. Governor Lee and the legislature have the power to fix these sentences.

Terrell Johnson has been incarcerated at Northeast Annex in Mountain City, Tennessee, since 2009. He doesn't go up for parole until 2026, with an outdate of 2029. He was found guilty of selling one-half gram of cocaine within 1000ft of a public park which is Chilhowee Park in Knoxville, Tennessee, and given an enhancement on the charge referred to as the drug-free school zone enhancement.

His former attorney wrote a letter indicating the Mayor of Knoxville at the time of his charge stated in a press conference that Chilhowee Park was not considered a park. The Director of Parks and Recreation also verified this statement made by the Mayor. His former attorney subpoenaed the Mayor to testify in another drug-free school zone case, but suddenly, charges, in that case, were reduced.

TO READ THE MAYORS STATEMENT CLICK HERE

Terrell, like many others, is serving a mandatory sentence at 100%. He has applied for post-conviction relief, was denied, and appealed the denial to receive another rejection. The park issue was not addressed in any of his petitions. Terrell has a 15 yr old son and a grandson who need him in their life. His only hope to return to them is for Tennessee to make the drug school zone law passed retroactive.

The law has already passed Governor Lee and the legislature have the power to Make it retroactive