2015 Commutations and Pardons from President Obama

buzzz worthy. . .
President Obama Grants Commutations and Pardons

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Barack Obama granted commutations of sentence to 95 individuals and pardons to two individuals.

 

The President granted commutations of sentence to the following 95 individuals:

 

·         Donald Allen – Lynn Haven, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm during a felony drug offense (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life plus five years’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Aug. 17, 1998)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Royal Deandre Allen – Houston, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Southern District of Texas)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $17,500 fine (May 13, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and balance of the fine remitted.

 

·         Sandra Avery – Sarasota, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base; possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (three counts); possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine; possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jan. 3, 2007)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

·         Jose Aviles – Chicago, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Apr. 23, 1993)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

·         George Andre Axam – Atlanta, GA

Offense:  Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Northern District of Georgia)

Sentence:  180 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (Jun. 12, 2007)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Ray Bennett – Hazlehurst, GA

Offense:  Knowingly conspiring to distribute cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”); knowingly possessing with intent to distribute and causing to be possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”) (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Nov. 22, 1991)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Wendell Edward Betancourt – Washington, D.C.

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute “crack” cocaine (Northern District of West Virginia)

            Sentence:  220 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Jun. 11, 2002)

            Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Edward B. Betts – Carbondale, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute in excess of 100 kilograms of marijuana (Southern District of Illinois)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Jul. 27, 1992)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and eight-year term of supervised release commuted to two years of supervised release.

 

·         Anthony Bosley – Spokane, WA

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (Eastern District of Washington)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jun. 13, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Ramona Brant – Freeport, NY

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base (Western District of North Carolina)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Feb. 2, 1995)

            Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Ivory Charles Brinson – Wabasso, FL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (Southern District of Florida)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Nov. 15, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Carolyn Yvonne Butler – San Antonio, TX

Offense:  Armed bank robbery (three counts); using a firearm during a crime of violence (three counts) (Western District of Texas

Sentence:  48 years’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release; $1,200 fine; $3,339 restitution (Jul. 30, 1992)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

·         Arnold Charles Cabarris – Victoria, VA

Offense:  Distribution of cocaine base; conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (Eastern District of Virginia)

Sentence:  262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Feb. 19, 1999)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Jimmy Lee Carter – Okeechobee, FL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Southern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jul. 21, 1993)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Sherman Dionne Chester – St. Petersburg, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin; distribution of cocaine (six counts); distribution of heroin (five counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Feb. 11, 1994)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

·         Herbert Lee Christopher, Jr. – Cordele, GA

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Oct. 4, 1991)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

·         Jawariel Coffie – Hollywood, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Oct. 5, 1993)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Michael Reese Coffman – Milton, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jul. 21, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Oscar Cole, Jr. – Bessemer, AL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride (Northern District of Alabama)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Sep. 21, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

·         Alex Contreras – Anchorage, AK

Offense:  Drug conspiracy; distribution of a controlled substance (four counts); possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (four counts); using, carrying, possessing firearm during drug trafficking crime (three counts) (District of Alaska)

Sentence:  481 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Jul. 11, 2002); prison sentence amended to 480 months’ imprisonment (May 27, 2008)

            Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Eddie Lee Cooks – Monroe, LA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (three counts) (Western District of Louisiana)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (May 24, 1994)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

·         Lelus Crawford – St. Louis, MO

Offense:  Distribution of cocaine base (“crack”) (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) (Eastern District of Missouri)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jun. 15, 2007)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Dewayne Crompton – Bakersfield, CA

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Western District of Wisconsin)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (May 28, 1993)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

·         Charles Frederick Cundiff – Altoona, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; attempt to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Jan. 8, 1992)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

·         Thomas Daniels – Philadelphia, PA

Offense:  Distribution of cocaine; distribution of cocaine base ("crack cocaine") (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Jun. 26, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

·         Joe Nathan Darby – Salters, SC

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of five grams or more of crack cocaine (two counts); possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of crack cocaine (District of South Carolina)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 25, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Alphonso Davis – Ridgeway, SC

Offense:  Conspiracy to violate narcotic laws (crack) (Western District of North Carolina)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Feb. 12, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         William Ervin Dekle – Lake City, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to import 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; importation of 100 kilograms of marijuana (four counts); possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms of marijuana (four counts) (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; four years’ special parole (Jun. 7, 1991)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Dianne Demar  -- St. Petersburg, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute in excess of 100 grams of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine (two counts); possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (Northern District of Georgia)

Sentence:  Life plus five years’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Dec. 13, 1991)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

·         Eric T. Downs – Mansfield, OH

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Northern District of Ohio)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (July 18, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

·         Ernest R. Eads – Seneca, MO

Offense:         1. Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (Western District of Missouri

                        2. Felon in possession of firearms (Western District of Missouri)

Sentence:        1. Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Mar. 7, 1997)

                        2. 12 months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (Mar. 7, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentences commuted to expire on April 16, 2016. 

 

·         Reginald Gerard Ennis – Mobile, AL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine (Southern District of Alabama)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Apr. 22, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Jimmy Lee Fields – Dundee, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Jan. 16, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

·         Pedro Figueroa – Philadelphia, PA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute controlled substance; distribution of controlled substance, aiding and abetting (three counts); possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute, aiding and abetting (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (Jul. 15, 2003)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Donald Lee Gill – Cincinnati, OH

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and aiding and abetting; carrying firearm during a drug trafficking crime (Eastern District of Kentucky)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Aug. 20, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016.

 

·         Calvin C. Gillings – Chicago, IL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, “crack”; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (Southern District of Iowa)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Jul. 18, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Glenn D. Gold – Clarksville, TN

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm (Middle District of Tennessee)

Sentence:  Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Apr. 23, 1997)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Alberto Gonzalez – Philadelphia, PA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine; distribution of 1,003 grams of cocaine (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (May 19, 2003)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Willie James Griffin, Jr. – Pensacola, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  252 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (Dec. 2, 1999); prison sentence amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (Apr. 14, 2008)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016 and balance of the fine remitted. 

 

·         Doyle Grimes, Jr. – Miami, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  292 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Apr. 8, 2003); prison sentence amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (Dec. 5, 2014)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Kenneth Hamlin, Jr. – Pittsburgh, PA

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base, in excess of 100 grams of heroin, and a quantity of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of in excess of 100 grams of heroin

(Western District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Mar. 4, 1999)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Glenn A. Harris – Elizabeth City, NC

Offense:  Distribution of more than five grams of cocaine base (crack) (Eastern District North Carolina)

Sentence:  188 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $2,100 restitution (Aug. 8, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and balance of the restitution obligation remitted.

 

·         Lisa Harris – Arcadia, FL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of cocaine base, crack cocaine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base, crack cocaine (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  235 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Nov. 30, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Antorrian Adrionne Hawkins – Lilburn, GA

Offense:  Felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (Eastern District of Michigan)

Sentence:  300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Apr. 12, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Eugene L. Haywood – Peoria, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack); possession of cocaine base (crack) (Central District of Illinois)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jul. 12, 2002)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Jerome A. Jackson – Washington, DC

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base: unlawful distribution of cocaine base (two counts) (District of Columbia)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Feb. 18, 1994)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.  

 

·         Gloria Louise James – Fort Madison, IA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (Southern District of Iowa)

Sentence:  188 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Feb. 9, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Angie Jenkins – Klamath Falls, OR

Offense:  Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; manufacture of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (District of Oregon)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Sep. 22, 1998); prison sentence amended to 324 months’ imprisonment (Jan. 29, 2015)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Allen Johnson – Live Oak, FL

Offense:  Distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  188 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Oct. 3, 2003)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Javon Tyrone Johnson – Saginaw, MI

Offense:  Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (Eastern District of Michigan)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Sep. 30, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Mario Alonzo Johnson – Stockton, CA

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine (Eastern District of California)

Sentence:  288 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Jan. 20, 1999)

            Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence to expire on April 16, 2016.    

 

·         Tommy Lynn Johnson – Athens, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to possess a listed chemical knowing it will be used to manufacture a controlled substance; possession of a listed chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance (two counts); possession and distribution of a listed chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance (two counts); use, carrying and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (two counts); possession of an unregistered firearm (Eastern District of Texas)

Sentence:  511 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Jul. 21, 2003); prison sentence amended to 481 months’ imprisonment (Oct. 6, 2015)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Sharanda Purlette Jones – Terrell, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (Northern District of Texas)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Nov. 10, 1999)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Ryan O’Neil Lansdowne – Haymarket, VA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (Eastern District of Virginia)

Sentence:  292 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Oct. 20, 2000); prison sentence amended to 262 months’ imprisonment (Apr. 28, 2009)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Chad Robert Latham – Tacoma, WA

Offense:  Conspiracy to manufacture marijuana; manufacturing marijuana (Western District of Washington)

Sentence:  180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Jan. 18, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Jimmy Ewell Lee – Bonifay, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine (actual) and more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 4, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Carlos Lopez – Lawrence, MA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (four counts); possess and carry a firearm during a drug crime; possession of firearm by a prohibited person; possession of firearm with an obliterated serial number (District of New Hampshire)

Sentence:  300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 14, 2003)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Kevin McDonald – Lawrenceville, NJ

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base “crack” (Eastern District of Virginia)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment (Oct. 17, 2005)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 18, 2016. 

 

·         Terry Dennard McNeair – Lexington, NC

Offense:  Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack) (Middle District of North Carolina)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Nov. 18, 1996)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Michael McRae – Wadesboro, NC

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (Western District of North Carolina)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 22, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Juan Fernando Mendoza-Cardenas – Houston, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana (Northern District of Georgia)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Jan. 28, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

·         Billy R. Mercer, Jr. – Slapout, AL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; use/carry firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (Middle District of Alabama)

Sentence:  292 months’ imprisonment; 72 months’ supervised release (May 24, 2006)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.