Mississippi man Maurice Taylor serving illegal 20-year sentence granted clemency, weeks after his brother

A Mississippi Man Granted Clemency After Illegal Prison Sentence

A man who was given an illegal prison sentence that far exceeded the maximum penalty for his crime has been granted clemency by the Governor of Mississippi. This decision comes shortly after the man’s brother received clemency for a similar unjust sentence.

Back in February 2015, both brothers, Maurice and Marcus Taylor, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell hydrocodone acetaminophen, a Schedule III substance. This substance is commonly used to treat severe pain that requires opioid treatment.

Despite the fact that the maximum penalty for their crime was five years, Maurice Taylor was sentenced to 20 years in prison with five years suspended, while Marcus Taylor received a 15-year sentence. This disparity prompted Governor Tate Reeves to take action and grant clemency to both brothers.

After legal proceedings, it was determined that Marcus Taylor’s sentence was illegal, leading to his release. Maurice Taylor’s post-conviction counsel recently provided legal documents to the Governor’s office, resulting in his imminent release as well.

The Mississippi Impact Coalition, an advocate for criminal justice reform, expressed their relief at this decision, highlighting the injustice that the brothers faced. Governor Reeves’ executive order on December 31, 2025, marked the end of a long battle for justice in this case.

It is worth noting that these brothers are the only individuals to receive clemency from Governor Reeves, signifying the importance of this case in shedding light on systemic issues within the criminal justice system.