Seventy-six-year-old Gwen Levi was sent back to jail after she missed a call from her police officer. As of June 12, Levi was waiting in a Washington, D.C. jail before being moved to a federal facility.
Levi was charged and convicted of conspiracy to sell at least one kilogram of heroin at the age of 60 years old. As a result, she was sentenced to 24 years in prison. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted government officials to allow 4,500 people to serve the remainder of their sentences at home.
While at home, Levi was required to stay in pre-approved locations and check in with police officers regularly. During her free time, Levi decided to take a word processing class in Baltimore, Maryland. Levi was reportedly sitting in her class while officers attempted to contact her. Unfortunately, she missed their attempt to contact her and she was accused of attempting to "escape" custody. She was taken into custody shortly thereafter.
“There’s no question she was in class,” attorney Sapna Mirchandani told The Washington Post.
“As I was told, because she could have been robbing a bank, they’re going to treat her as if she was robbing a bank.”
With eight years left on her sentence, Levi could potentially remain in custody until she is mid way through her 80s.
“I feel like I was attempting to do all the right things,” Levi explained.
“Breaking rules is not who I am. I tried to explain what happened, and to tell the truth. At no time did I think I wasn’t supposed to go to that class. I apologize to my mother and my family for what this is doing to them.”
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