Two Americans languish in Chinese prisons after decade-long drug convictions

Two American citizens have spent over a decade in Chinese prisons after being convicted of drug offences. Dawn Michelle Hunt, 54, and Nelson Wells Jr., 52, were both used as unwitting drug couriers in separate schemes. Their families now plead for their release on humanitarian grounds as their health worsens behind bars. Hunt, a former flight attendant and artist from the Chicago area, was arrested in 2014. Wells, a Louisiana native and father of three, was detained the same year. Both were convicted of drug trafficking after being tricked into carrying illegal substances into China.

Their families describe their conditions as dire. Hunt suffers from severe health issues requiring blood transfusions but refuses surgery in prison due to distrust of medical staff. Wells battles severe seizures, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other complications. Both families claim their loved ones’ health is rapidly declining.

The U.S. State Department confirms it is providing consular support and pushing for their welfare. Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry maintains that the two are serving lawful sentences for serious drug crimes.

With President Trump’s summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping approaching, both families have urgently called for their release. They argue that humanitarian parole is the only way to prevent further suffering. The two Americans remain imprisoned despite their deteriorating health. Their families continue to press for intervention at the highest levels. For now, consular assistance remains their only official support.