Jay-Z and his legal team continue to advocate for the release of Valon Vailes, a 56-year old man who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for intent to distribute more than a ton of marijuana.
Vailes, who was convicted in December 2007, wrote an emotional letter to Jay-Z last year hoping the billionaire rapper could help him get a reduced sentence. Jay-Z read the letter and was moved to put together a legal team to ask for a “compassionate release” for Vailes.
Now in new court documents obtained by TMZ, Team Roc attorney, Alex Spiro says federal prosecutors are refusing to release Vailes despite Vailes qualifying for compassionate release. The court docs claim the Feds are playing hardball because Vailes used a piece of his uniform as “workout equipment,” and was caught sneaking some leftover chicken from the prison mess hall into his cell.
Jay-Z and Team Roc are reportedly enraged over the actions of federal prosecutors, because they believe Vailes has been a model inmate in every way possible.
In his letter to Jay, Vailes spoke on the loses he’s suffered during his time in prison and how he has a “mentally ill” brother at home who needs a caretaker. Vailes’ mother had been taking care of the brother, but she died in 2020.
“My family needs me home. While incarcerated, I have lost loved ones,” he explained. “My mother passed in 2020; my grandmother in 2009; my nephew in 2020. Also, my best friend died from COVID in 2021. I have four children, the youngest is 1.4, and 3 grand-daughters. A lot has changed in my life, but most importantly, I have a newfound view of society. Therefore, I pledge to my family, my children, and myself that my incarceration would not be in vain.”
In the letter Vailes also discussed his frustration with serving time for a substance that is now a legal and profitable business venture for corporations.
“This correspondence is a plea to ask for your help with the intent to campaign for my clemency. 13 and a half years is a long time to be still incarcerated over a substance that has become the ultimate green rush.”
Spiro wants a federal judge to reduce Vailes’ sentence to time served, and release him ASAP.
