Much of Edmond's case is shrouded in mystery. Even the reason he decided to cooperate with the government is not known to the public. And after he turned state's evidence, he wasn't released into anonymity, but was transferred to a different top secret facility, where he has been ever since. But he continued to appeal for the freedom he feels he deserves for the help he gave the government, and in February 2021, The Washington Post reported that a D.C. judge reduced his life sentence to 20 years. Edmond had been in prison for almost 32 years at the time, but the ruling still didn't ensure his freedom. He still had a 30-year sentence pending in Pennsylvania for charges of dealing drugs in a federal prison in the state.
The information Edmond gave authorities from 1997 to 2014 helped them bring in and convict over 100 drug dealers. He also helped with undercover operations and testified in drug and homicide trials. He and his lawyers aren't the only ones who feel he should finally receive the freedom he was promised, but public opinion does appear to be split. A citywide poll conducted in 2019 found that respondents were split almost exactly down the middle over whether or not to finally release Rayful Edmond from prison.
