A federal judge in New York has made a significant decision to release a man after he spent 27 years behind bars. Walter Johnson, previously facing a staggering five life sentences for robbery and drug charges, is now free.
U.S. District Judge Frederic Block has reduced Johnson’s sentence to time served, along with an additional three years of supervised release. Johnson walked out of a federal prison in Otisville, located about two hours northwest of his hometown, Brooklyn, on Thursday.
Known on the streets as “King Tut,” Johnson was sentenced under the Three Strikes law that targets repeat offenders. Notably, he was the first individual from the Eastern District of New York to receive a mandatory life sentence under this federal statute, according to Mia Eisner-Grynberg, deputy attorney-in-charge of the Federal Defenders of New York, who represented him.
Throughout his nearly three decades in prison, Johnson maintained a clean record, actively participated in prison programs, and earned praise for his positive leadership from prison officials, as highlighted in court records.
In his ruling, Judge Block expressed the belief that Johnson’s original sentence was excessively harsh. He noted the growth that can occur over time, not just for prisoners but also for judges. “Just like prisoners who have evolved into better human beings during their lengthy periods of incarceration, judges also evolve with the passage of years on the bench,” he stated.
The judge referenced the 2018 First Step Act, which allows for the reconsideration of sentences, paving the way for Johnson’s release.
Arguments in court suggested that Johnson would not have received such a severe sentence under today’s judicial standards. Now 61, he plans to return to Brooklyn to reconnect with family and mentor youth, hoping to guide them away from similar mistakes.
“We are grateful for the humanity and humility that Judge Block showed in reevaluating Mr. Johnson’s life sentence,” Eisner-Grynberg shared with the Associated Press, reflecting on Johnson’s remarkable rehabilitation during his time incarcerated.
While federal prosecutors opposed Johnson’s release, citing the violent nature of his past crimes, one of his victims supported his sentence reduction, highlighting the impact of Johnson’s transformation.
In a heartfelt letter to the judge, Johnson expressed his desire for a second chance: “This sentence has given me an opportunity to do a great deal of introspection… Please give me a chance to lead a life of peace and joy and giving back, like Nelson Mandela did,” he wrote, referencing the iconic leader who also served an extensive prison sentence.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.