ICYMI: Worcester County Man's Prison Sentence Shortened in Obama's Latest Commutation Grant Sweep

WORCESTER COUNTY, MA—On Thursday, President Barack Obama granted the commutation of sentence to 98 individuals, including a person from Massachusetts.

Alberto Lopez from Gardner, MA, had been sentenced to life imprisonment with six years' supervised release. He was convicted on June 4, 1996. His sentence will end on Feb. 24, 2017. Lopez's offense was conspiracy to possess heroin and cocaine base with intent to distribute; possession of heroin with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin; possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute and distribution, aiding and abetting (three counts).

The 98 commutations of federal inmates on Thursday brings Obama's total to 688, which USA Today reportsis the most ever granted by a president in one year. Obama has shortened the sentences of 872 inmates in total during his presidency.

Unlike a pardon, commutation reduces the sentence, but does not wipe out the conviction or charge.

Of those granted commutations Thursday, 42 had life sentences for drug offenses, and 19 had committed crimes with firearms,reports the Washington Times.