FARGO, N.D. (AP) _ A North Dakota man originally sentenced in federal court to life in prison on a crack cocaine charge now must serve 25 years instead.
An appeals court overturned Marcus Royston's sentence because of a new law that increased the quantities of crack cocaine needed to trigger statutory minimum sentences. The change was made retroactive to the original sentencing date.
Royston, of Bismarck, was among eight people accused of distributing crack cocaine in Minnesota and the Dakotas. A jury found him guilty in May 2010 on two counts, including conspiracy.
Prosecutors recommended Wednesday that Royston be re-sentenced to 30 years in prison. Royston's lawyer asked for 20 years.
U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson said Royston's criminal history and his role in the conspiracy make 25 years an appropriate sentence.
