An Abbeville native is now a free man after his life sentence for a $30 drug sale was reduced.
Derek Harris spent more than ten years in jail before prosecutors decided he should be released.
His original sentence followed Louisiana’s Habitual Offender Law. He was found guilty of selling marijuana and had other drug related offenses and active convictions. Harris was released from Angola Tuesday.
After nearly a decade in state prison Derek Harris is a free man. He was able to walk out Louisiana State Penitentiary with his attorney and family by his side. It’s a day that his family says they are finally able to celebrate.
“It’s a little overwhelming. The additional 62 days we thought he would serve put a damper on the excitement but now my only words are just thankful, really thankful. My family is happy. We can’t wait to see Derek,” said Harris’ brother Antoine Harris.
Harris will be moving to Kentucky with family to start his new life.
READ MORE: Abbeville man serving life for $30 drug sale set to be freed
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