New York City — Walter Johnson, a man once known by the moniker “King Tut” and infamous in New York’s criminal circles, was granted an unexpected second chance at freedom in 2023. In 1997, Johnson was handed five life sentences for a robbery and related crimes, but the trajectory of his fate shifted dramatically 26 years later when he was released by the very judge who had originally sentenced him.
Johnson had faced a grim outlook after his 1996 conviction on charges that included robbery, witness tampering, and drug possession. His punitive journey through the criminal justice system appeared to be unending, as he resigned himself to what he believed would be a life ending in prison. However, a poignant turn of events began to unfold last summer when U.S. District Judge Frederic Block, now 90 years old, reviewed Johnson’s case.
Judge Block expressed that over the years, he had gained perspectives that he lacked at the time of Johnson’s original sentencing. He also pointed out that the “three strikes law,” which mandated life sentences for certain repeat offenders in the ’90s, was far too rigid and outdated. These insights led to a landmark ruling that favored reevaluating Johnson’s continued incarceration under a more compassionate and rehabilitative light.
Johnson’s transition to freedom was ushered in by an overwhelming display of judicial mercy and advocacy, including several hundred pages of motions and a surprising letter of support from one of the victims of his robbery. Released in October 2022, Johnson welcomed the “best day” of his life with open arms and a commitment to make the most out of his reinstated liberty.
Despite the opposition from the Justice Department, which argued that Johnson’s positive behavioral changes and displays of remorse were not enough to merit an “extraordinary and compelling” release, Judge Block’s decision stood firm. The judge cited the “First Step Act,” a justice reform law signed by President Trump in 2018, which played a significant role in Johnson’s release.
Remaining on supervised release, Johnson’s future now hangs on his continued adherence to the law. Over three decades in prison, Johnson maintained a flawless conduct record and engaged actively in inmate mentorship and prison educational programs, demonstrating a profound personal transformation.
Block’s advocacy didn’t end with Johnson’s release. He has continued to encourage judicial colleagues and states to adopt second chance laws, pointing to rehabilitation and hope as crucial components of the justice system. Johnson exemplifies this philosophy, embracing his freedom with zeal. He has adapted to modern technologies and become a vocal advocate on social media, emphasizing the invaluable nature of freedom and the harsh consequences of poor decisions.
Johnson, reflecting on his journey and the broader implications of his story, shared with Block a resonant belief in the power of hope and redemption, ideals that sustain human spirit and societal progress.
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