A 73-year-old grandfather who was sentenced to 505 years in jail will be released without delay.
Juan Carlos Seresi was one of four defendants who were sentenced to more than five centuries after being convicted for money laundering in 1991.
However, Los Angeles District Judge Stephen V. Wilson has ordered the elderly man’s release and his sentence cut to time served.
According to the judge’s order, Seresi will be subject to a 3-year term of supervised release.
Speaking to CNN, Seresi said he heard the amazing news from his daughter, Patti Mawer. “It’s a miracle,” he expressed.
“After all this praying and all this hoping, he can’t believe it,” Mawer added.
She also shared how her father managed to remain an important part of the family despite being behind bars.
Seresi was convicted of helping to launder over $300 million in drug cartel money along with his brothers Raul Vivas, Nazareth Andonian and Vahe Andonian.
But after reviewing the case, it was found that FBI agents gave special treatment to a government witness.
Seresi’s lawyers also filed a motion looking for him to be freed on compassionate grounds, listing his high blood pressure, susceptibility to Covid-19, and age as factors.
“The Court’s findings should not be construed to minimize the severity of the Defendant’s conduct,” Wilson said, adding that the 73-year-old was “a key employee of the ringleaders of a substantial money laundering conspiracy.”
Rauven Cohen, one of Seresi’s attorneys, said: “We are so happy for Juan Carlos and his beautiful family.”
The two brothers who didn’t have previous criminal records might also be considered for early release.
Attorney Jerry Newton said: “They’re essentially around the same age. They’ve spent 31 years in prison without one incident. They’ve taken every educational course they could get their hands on.
“It’s a fair and just result to let them enjoy the remainder of their lives outside of prison.”
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Replaced!