George Martorano is the longest-serving first-time non-violent offender in the United States. He was sentenced on September 20, 1984 and is still serving out a life sentence. Mr. Martorano had no prior convictions and was sentenced to to life against the recommendations of both the prosecution and the Federal Sentencing Board. There is strong evidence that the sentencing judge did not impose sentence solely on the merits of the case, but allowed himself to be influenced by Mr. Martorano's refusal to divulge information that he did not possess, on organized crime in Philadelphia.Mr. Martorano has been a model prisoner, earned a GED and has become a prolific author and teacher.
Justice must be tempered with mercy. George Martorano has more than paid the price of his crime. Release him.