President Obama Commutes the Sentences of Two Oregon Men Convicted of Meth Offenses

Christopher Michael Wright of Elmira, Oregon, and George Michael Gray, of Springfield, Oregon, will be released from prison in July

By Rachel Monahan

President Barack Obama this morning commuted the sentence of two Oregon men convicted of conspiring to manufacture and sell methamphetamine.

Christopher Michael Wright, 42, from Elmira, who is 10 years into a 18-year sentence, and George Michael Gray, 63, from Springfield, who was 21 years into a life sentence, were among 61 prisoners whose sentences were shortened by the president today.

Both will be out of prison by July.

Besides conspiracy charges, Gray was convicted of possession with intent to distribute and possession of firearm in connection with drug trafficking.

Stephen Sady, in federal public defender's office in Oregon, which represented both men, praised the decision and called for further action from the president.

"We hope for more clemency grants in the future," he said. "There are so many more folks in federal prison who are serving overly long sentences that accomplish no legitimate purpose."

Willamette Week

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.