Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole Released From Jefferson City Prison

KBIA | By Associated Press

Published September 1, 2015 at 5:30 PM CDT

The administration building is one of the oldest on the prison site. Its decaying façade sits opposite a recently-opened federal courthouse across the street.

A Missouri man sentenced to life in prison for marijuana charges has been released after spending two decades behind bars.

Jeff Mizanskey walked out of the Jefferson City Correctional Center this morning. His release comes after persistent lobbying from family members, lawmakers, and marijuana-legalization supporters.

Mizanskey had been convicted of three separate marijuana-related charges between 1984 and 1996, and Missouri law at the time called for a sentence of life in prison without parole.

Governor Jay Nixon commuted Mizanskey's sentence in May, making him eligible for parole.

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