Judge lowers sentence of ex-county Democratic chairman by 17 months. Andrew Reyes, the former Mecklenburg Democratic chairman convicted in one of Charlotte's biggest embezzlements, could be out of prison in May after a federal judge trimmed nearly a year and a half off his sentence. Sources say the reduction is likely due to his cooperation in an ongoing investigation. U.S. Chief District Judge Graham Mullen didn't handle Reyes' case and would not talk about it specifically. But Mullen, asked when federal judges can cut sentences, said: "The only way a judge can reduce a sentence is if the government moves...