The Longest-Serving Prisoner, 71, Who Was Sentenced For 90 Years In 1989 Will Finally Be Released And Meet His Grandkids For The First Time

71-year-old Richard is America's longest-serving prisoner who will be released in 2020 finally just in time for the holidays

Richard DeLisi was given a 90-year sentence after he was arrested for marijuana trafficking on December 5, 1989. Richard was 40 at that time and had been serving jail since 1989. He is set to release in the December of 2020 in time for the holidays after remaining in prison for 31 years.

Richard, 71, is America's longest-serving nonviolent cannabis prisoner, who will soon be released from a jail in Florida. 

Last Prisoner Project

Richard will be able to meet his 5 grandchildren for the first time in December

He will be released from the South Bay Correctional Facility (SBCF), 18 months before he was scheduled to be released in August 2022. His early release was because of the joint effort from the Last Prisoner Project and pro bono attorneys Chaira Juster, Elizabeth Buchanan, and Michael Minardi, the nonprofit shared in a Monday statement.

Richard was arrested in 1989 along with his brother Ted DeLisi on the account of trafficking marijuana into Florida.

Last Prisoner Project

The brother Richard and Ted were given a sentence of 98 years but Ted got released early in 2013

Unfortunately, Richard's parents, his loving wife, and one of his kids have died while he was in jail. But he is thrilled to be reunited with his two living children and five grandchildren whom he never met.

 'It feels amazingly wonderful to know that I will be home with my family and loved ones very soon,' DeLisi said to his legal team. I am grateful to everyone who has been there and helped me along in these long years.'

'If I could go back to 1988 I would tell my former self to put more value in the time I spend with my family. I have learned that money is something that comes and goes but family is forever. I will take that lesson home with me and I will make the most of every moment I have left on this earth with my wonderful family.'

Last Prisoner Project

'I am so excited to hug my children and grandchildren. I have missed so many important moments with them and I can't wait to get out there and create precious memories with everyone. I am so thrilled that this dark chapter of my life is finally over.'

Richard's daughter Ashley didn't see her father on her birthday since she was three. Now she will celebrate it after 32 years

'I just want to hug my dad outside of prison,' she said, later adding, 'It is a sad truth that children of those who are incarcerated are also given a sentence.'

Chiara Juster, lead attorney for DeLisi said;

 'We participated in decarcerating someone who couldn't deserve it more. The fact that dear Richard is the longest serving non-violent cannabis offender currently incarcerated in our country is truly a sick indictment of our nation,' said Juster.

Last Prisoner Project

Juster said this 90-years sentence was not only for Richard but also for his children

Chiara Juster later added: 'Ashley and her brother Rick's ninety-year-sentence is also ending. They will finally feel free when Ashley's dreams of hugging her dad in the free world come to fruition.'

Last Prisoner Project

According to the lawyers, the coronavirus is one of the main reason for Richard DeLisi's release

The lawyers cited Richard's old age and 'several underlying chronic conditions' to be the reason for his early release.

According to the Last Prisoner Project, the SBCF has become a 'hotspot' for the virus, where one inmate has died and 421 have tested positive. It was also revealed that in Florida, 184 inmates have died from coronavirus. 

Last Prisoner Project