The True Heroes Behind cannabis Lifer Craig Cesal’s Release: Exposing the clout chasing tactics of the Last Prisoner Project

The True Heroes Behind cannabis Lifer Craig Cesal’s Release: Exposing the clout chasing tactics of the Last Prisoner Project

Craig Cesal’s story is a tale of profound injustice, resilience, and redemption. Sentenced to life without parole for a non-violent cannabis offense, Craig spent nearly two decades behind bars. His journey from incarceration to freedom highlights the efforts of unsung heroes, including Warden T.J. Watson, while shedding light on the misleading claims of organizations like the Last Prisoner Project (LPP).

In 2002, Craig co-owned a towing company near Chicago, repairing and recovering trucks for rental companies. When U.S. border agents discovered 1,500 pounds of cannabis hidden in a truck his company repaired, Craig was convicted of leasing vehicles to smugglers. Despite having no prior convictions or direct involvement, he received a life sentence for drug conspiracy charges.

During his time in prison, Craig became a relentless advocate, both for himself and his fellow inmates. Known as the “prison lawyer,” Craig frequently filed grievances, sometimes submitting 40 on behalf of other inmates for the same issue. This persistence earned him a reputation for challenging the system and caught the attention of Warden T.J. Watson. Over three years, the two developed a mutual respect based on Craig’s advocacy and commitment to justice.

In 2020, with the passage of the CARES Act and COVID-19 creating urgency around compassionate releases, Warden Watson approached Craig with a life-changing announcement: “Craig, I’m sending you home on home confinement.” Despite Craig’s life sentence, the warden cited his age, diabetes, and clean prison record as reasons for release. The warden added, “As long as you stay out of trouble, your life sentence shouldn’t come up.”

After nearly two decades in prison, Craig was placed on house arrest. His behavior was exemplary, like so many cannabis prisoners who endure years of unjust incarceration. Six months into house arrest, Craig’s case caught the attention of the ALEPH Institute, a nonprofit organization specializing in criminal justice reform. ALEPH took on his case pro bono, filing a clemency petition on Craig’s behalf.

This is where the narrative becomes clouded by false claims. LPP, a well-funded organization, has claimed credit for Craig’s release, despite playing no role in Craigs release LPP is quoted in the following article . “LPP had paired Craig Cesal with a pro bono attorney to file his compassionate release motion, but he was subsequently granted home confinement in response to the request for release he submitted himself to the warden. LPP will continue to fight for a full commutation of Cesal’s sentence via compassionate release and/or executive clemency”

The clemency petition that ultimately freed him was the work of ALEPH, with no involvement from Last prisoner project.

Alice Johnson, a former life-sentenced prisoner pardoned by President Trump, also played a pivotal role. Known for her advocacy and connection to the White House, Alice worked with ALEPH and other activists to push Craig’s clemency petition to Trump’s desk. This effort resulted in Craig’s release from home confinement and his return to freedom.

LPP’s claims of orchestrating Craig’s release serve as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency in advocacy. While LPP may raise significant funds under the guise of helping cannabis prisoners, their involvement in Craig’s case was none and this is business is usual for Last Prisoner Project, is we see releases we must be reminded in the cannabis community and know Last Prisoner Project is a disingenuous organization. The true credit belongs to Warden Watson, the ALEPH Institute, Alice Johnson, and Craig himself.

Is someone who spent 8 years in federal prison cannabis charges I would like to thank the true hero’s behind Craigs release Thank you. The clout chasing that Last prisoner project does in the name of helping cannabis inmates in disingenuous and must be expose.