Originally published May 13, 2021. Statements about the law were updated in October 2026; the box below gives today’s rules.
Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
In May 2021, a federal judge in Missouri granted compassionate release to Gregory A. Hill, a 57-year-old man with cancer of the thyroid gland and vocal cords. The release lets him begin cancer treatment outside prison.
United States v. Hill
United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Western Division
2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 88266
His health problems
Hill has a wide range of medical problems, and being in prison during a global pandemic caused him a great deal of anxiety.
His conditions include metastatic papillary carcinoma; hypertension; major depressive disorder; esophageal reflux; chronic hepatitis C; hypermetropia; hypothyroidism; malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland; and additional vocal cord disease. There is no question these conditions put him at greater risk of complications if he caught COVID-19.
Background of the case
Citing these health problems, Hill asked for medical compassionate release from a sentence that would keep him in prison until December 16, 2026.
On October 11, 2001, Hill was charged with conspiracy to manufacture a mixture or substance of methamphetamine in an amount of 50 grams or more, attempt to manufacture a mixture or substance of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
A jury found him guilty on all counts. On June 13, 2002, he was sentenced to 360 months in prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release on the first two counts and 6 years on the third count.
Why the judge said yes
The government opposed his motion, pointing to Hill’s criminal history before prison. But the court noted that Hill had served more than two-thirds of his sentence and was scheduled for release in about five years.
Hill’s behavior in prison also weighed in his favor. His conduct was largely good, he took many educational classes, and he finished paying his court-ordered assessment. His release plan helped too: he plans to live with his brother, and a probation officer approved the plan.
The most compelling factor was the cancer in his thyroid gland and vocal cords. It requires nuclear therapy, followed by endocrinology and oncology care. The judge stressed how important it is that Hill get this treatment, and said this course of treatment would likely greatly limit any ability to commit more crimes.
The court granted Hill’s motion. He can now begin cancer treatment outside prison and reconnect with his family while doing so.
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