Thousands of federal inmates convicted of drug crimes set for early release to cut costs

WASHINGTON — Thousands of federal inmates serving sentences for drug crimes are set for early release next month under a cost-cutting measure intended to reduce the nation's prison population.

The more than 5,500 inmates set to go free in November are among the first of what could eventually be tens of thousands eligible for release. The U.S. Sentencing Commission voted last year to retroactively apply substantially lower recommended sentences for those convicted of drug-related felonies.

http://www.startribune.com/thousands-of-federal-drug-inmates-set-for-early-release/330968441/