Diaz – Minor could be out in a year

Diaz – Minor could be out in a year

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld fraud convictions against all three. Minor also was convicted of racketeering and conspiracy, and a conspiracy conviction against Whitfield also stood. Minor had secured loans for both judges, repaid the money and received favorable rulings from them.

There is no parole under federal sentencing guidelines, but all three can receive good-conduct time for each year they serve. Bureau of Prisons spokesman Chris Burke said good-conduct time winds up being 47 days for each full year because of the way it is calculated. The men also receive credit for time served.

Minor has been jailed since September 2006 because of alcohol-related infractions before trial. Whitfield and Teel began serving their sentences in December 2007. Minor is serving his sentence in Pensacola, Fla. Whitfield is housed in a medical facility in Lexington, Ky., because of a chronic inflammatory bowel condition known as Crohn’s disease.

The federal Bureau of Prisons will calculate the release dates for all three within 30 days of receiving the new sentences from the court.

Minor could later have an additional year shaved from his sentence if he completes a drug and alcohol treatment program. Completion might allow his release in a year, Diaz said.

The program is crowded, so Minor is not guaranteed a spot.

The Bureau of Prisons has discretion over whether to cut the sentences for inmates who complete the program, Burke said.

Commercial Appeal
6/22/11