Florida prosecutor seeks to clear records of people charged with buying police-made crack in 1980s

In a significant move towards justice, Broward County State Attorney Harold F. Pryor announced plans to vacate around 2,600 convictions related to crack cocaine purchases during police stings from 1988 to 1990. The Florida Supreme Court had previously ruled in 1993 that individuals could not be prosecuted for buying drugs manufactured by law enforcement for undercover operations. A review of old records revealed that many individuals still faced the consequences of these unjust convictions. Pryor stated, 'It is never too late to do the right thing,' underscoring the moral imperative of this initiative.

The review process will take time, but the prosecutor's office plans to reach out to those affected. This action seeks to rectify past injustices and acknowledges the broader impact of the crack cocaine epidemic on communities. Additionally, some individuals may be eligible to seal or expunge their criminal records, providing them with a chance for a fresh start.