In 2008, Clydel Cummings was arrested for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it. He was convicted and, because he had prior convictions that the district attorney used to charge him as a habitual offender, was sentenced to life in prison for a drug offense.
While in prison, Mr. Cummings became a Class A trustee, participated in many rehabilitative programs, and mentored other incarcerated people. As an avid woodworker and painter, he spent time in the hobby shop every day during which time he processed the events in life that led him to prison. He sold his art and furniture at the Angola rodeo. He also donated furniture and clocks he made to the United Way.
At the time of his conviction and sentence, he was not eligible for parole. But Innocence & Justice Louisiana represented him under a law that passed in 2021 recognizing that people serving life sentences for non-violent crimes should have the opportunity to prove their readiness for freedom. At his parole hearing, he spoke candidly about what he had learned from the choices he made before prison and how much he looked forward to using the skills he had built once he was free. A unanimous panel granted his release.
He was released in October 2023 after 15 years in prison.
