

Spiro asked the judge in Wednesday’s filing to release Vailes on a sentence of time served. “It shouldn’t take Jay-Z and Monogram to hold them accountable.” “It is clear that this court does not even take the time to read the pleadings of the accused and forgotten,” a source told Page Six on Wednesday. Aside from Jay-Z, attorney Alex Spiro has also represented clients such as 21 Savage, Naomi Osaka and Meek Mill. It also noted Vailes’ vaccination record. District Judge Frank Whitney issued a short 5-line that same month, that improperly noted that Vailes was “pro se motion” – which means he represented himself – when in fact he had Spiro, a renowned celebrity attorney, backing him up. It noted that Vailes had been “a model inmate,” citing completed coursework and drug treatment, and added that Vailes’ family “desperately needs his support and assistance, and he does not present a recidivism risk.” The first motion for a compassionate release request was filed in August. “It is a bittersweet reality that I am a casualty and a commodity of this s ystem filled with injustice,” he wrote.Ĭlearly moved by Vailes’ words, Jay-Z immediately rallied Spiro and his team at Monogram to file a petition on the prisoner’s behalf. The inmate concluded his note by stating that he can’t help but feel “some kind of way” about the ongoing reform of marijuana legalization in the US knowing he is still behind bars. “Therefore, I pledge to my family, my children, and myself that my incarceration would not be in vain.” “A lot has changed in my life, but most importantly, I have a newfound view of society,” Vailes claimed. Vailes added that he’s followed Jay-Z’s career and was especially moved by his advocacy for the “underprivileged and voiceless,” which he said was noted in a Wall Street Journal report.

Also, my best friend died from COVID in 2021. I have four children, the youngest is 1.4, and 3 grand-daughters.” “My mother passed in 2020 my grandmother in 2009 my nephew in 20 20. “While incarcerated, I have lost loved ones,” he explained. Referencing his complex familial situation, Vailes wrote, “My family needs me home.” Vailes has been incarcerated since 2007 over marijuana charges. “13 and a half years is a long time to be still incarcerated over a substance that has become the ultimate green rush.” Valon M. “This correspondence is a plea to ask for your help with the intent to campaign for my clemency,” the letter read. Page Six obtained an exclusive copy of the note to Jay-Z, which Vailes wrote from New York’s Otisville Correctional Facility back in February. Vailes’ case first came to the attention of Spiro and other members of Jay-Z’s legal team after the inmate penned an emotional letter to the” Empire State of Mind” rapper, who is the proud owner of the Cannabis company Monogram. He was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison with an additional 10-year supervised release. In December 2007, Vailes, now 55, was found guilty by a jury for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than one ton of marijuana from 2003 to 2007. Release does not mention COVID-19 and does not rely on any COVID-19-related argument asĪ basis for arguing in favor of a reduced sentence,” Spiro argued. In court documents that were submitted on Wednesday and obtained by Page Six, attorney Alex Spiro filed a second motion, asking the court to reconsider their previous request – one which was dismissed due to inmate Valon Vailes’ COVID-19 vaccination record.

The rapper’s legal team has made a plea – twice – to a North Carolina judge asking for the “compassionate release” of a man serving a 20-year prison sentence over marijuana charges, Page Six has exclusively learned. Jay-Z is hoping to help one of his fans in prison. Gallery settles $1.45M suit with artist collected by Jay-Z
