Rapper and producer John Forte, who was sent behind bars on drug charges, got off easy. His sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush on Monday (November 24). The former Fugees producer was among the 14 people who were pardoned by President Bush.

John Forte had been sentence to 14 years in prison in 2001 after judges found him guilty of possession of 31 pounds of liquid cocaine with intent to distribute. He was arrested at Newark International Airport in 2000. The two briefcases Forte had with him when police arrested him were estimated to be worth about $1.4 million.

Forte, who co-wrote two songs on the Fugees' 1996 breakthrough, "The Score," had been serving his sentence in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He will be released December 22 after he served seven years behind bars. He will still have to serve five years of supervised probation.

Forte, who studied violin at the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, also released two solo albums: "Poly Sci" (produced by the Fugees' Wyclef Jean) and "I, John," a confession album released while already in jail.

President Bush pardoned detainees convicted for charges ranging from distribution of marijuana to unauthorized use of a pesticide. A presidential pardon can not be overruled and can help those who benefit from it to find jobs, live in public housing and vote.