Article: MOTHER TRYING TO REFORM MANDATORY SENTENCING LAWS.(Local)

Byline: Dawn Riley News Staff Writer

In 1996 Elgin Phillips received a 25-year sentence in the federal penitentiary system for possession f crack cocaine.

His imprisonment has devastated his family.

``It's been pure hell for us ever since,'' said his mother, Emma.

Mrs. Phillips helps out with Elgin's three children - Joy, 11, Jana, 8 and Kentae, 7.

``My grandchildren are bitter and very fearful of the police,'' Phillips said. ``But under all of their feelings, they're actually just missing their daddy.''

She misses him, too.

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