A Houston man who spent over two decades behind bars for drug-related offenses was released after receiving clemency from former President Joe Biden—only to be ordered back to prison two weeks later due to a “clerical error.”
Ronald Lymuel, convicted in 2005 for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, had served 20 years when Biden commuted his sentence as part of a broader clemency order for non-violent drug offenders. He walked free on February 9.
His mother was waiting to embrace him outside the prison gates. Surrounded by family, including his siblings, children, and grandchildren, Lymuel finally rejoined the life he had lost.
His sister, Tiy Bilbo, described the reunion to NBC 2 Houston.
“Being able to hug him, and him being able to see his kids and his grandkids. He could start his life again,” she said.
But the joy didn’t last. On February 23, the Federal Bureau of Prisons called Lymuel and told him he had to return to custody immediately—their office had made a clerical mistake.
Bilbo said she broke down when she heard the news.
“Like, they said my brother had to go back. It’s just like, how? Like, how can they just take somebody back?” she said.
“We thought he was free, and then the system just yanked it back.”
Lymuel’s entire family was devastated.
His attorney, Brent Mayr, was stunned.
“I called his counselor and asked, ‘Is this really happening? What’s going on?’ And, of course, he said yes. He wouldn’t give me any details, but they said he needed to report back,” Mayr explained.
Mayr also expressed concern that President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn Biden-era policies might be affecting people like Lymuel who had already been granted clemency.
“This is the worst. You talk about a rollercoaster of emotions, they were just getting used to being together again, and then this happens,” he said.
According to Mayr, Lymuel had followed all the conditions tied to his release, including regular meetings with his probation officer.
Now, the family is fighting to have him released again, at least under in-home confinement while the situation is sorted out. As of now, the Bureau of Prisons hasn’t responded to their requests.
The agency issued a brief statement:
“For privacy, safety, and security reasons, the Federal Bureau of Prisons does not discuss the conditions of confinement of any incarcerated individual, including release plans or reasons for changes in release plans.”
In a desperate plea, Bilbo sent a certified letter directly to Trump, asking him to intervene.
“We can’t let this happen to anyone else,” she said. “It’s not just about Ronald; it’s about everyone who’s been wronged by a system that’s supposed to protect them.”
