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WASHINGTON — More than 3,000 crack cocaine convicts have had their prison sentences cut since the federal government eased harsh penalties for drug crimes overwhelmingly committed by black people.
A study by the U.S. Sentencing Commission says it is not immediately clear how many offenders have actually been released from custody after having their sentences reduced.
In all, 3,647 crack offenders so far have applied for early prison release since March 3, when new federal sentencing guidelines were enacted.
The study says federal judges across the country have agreed to reduce prison sentences for 3,075 inmates.
