President Donald Trump on Tuesday granted a total of seven pardons and four commutations.
Besides the big names of former New York Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik, financier Michael Milken, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr., there were other lesser-known people who were the beneficiaries of the president's pardon pen.
Among those receiving pardons:
- Ariel Friedler, who served two months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to access a protected computer without authorization.
- "During the investigation, his time in prison, and after his release, Mr. Friedler expressed deep remorse for his actions," the White House said in a statement announcing the pardon. "Since his release, Mr. Friedler has volunteered his time and expertise to promoting veterans issues and helping former prisoners reenter and rejoin society."
- Supporters of the pardon included former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Rabbi Katz of the Aleph Institute.
- Paul Pogue was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to underpaying his taxes over a three-year period.
- "Immediately upon learning of the tax deficiency, Mr. Pogue paid restitution, interest, and penalties," the White House noted. "Despite his conviction, Mr. Pogue never stopped his charitable work. For more than 30 years, he has provided significant humanitarian aid to countries around the world, including Africa, India, and Mexico, all while continuing to help his fellow Americans in times of need."
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum were among his supporters.
- David Safavian, was an official in the George W. Bush administration who was convicted of making false statements and of obstructing an investigation in connection with the Jack Abramoff lobbying and corruption scandal.
- According to the White House, he "has dedicated his life to criminal justice reform after serving nearly a year in prison. . . . Mr. Safavian is a fierce advocate for policy changes that improve public safety, protect families and victims, and reduce recidivism, including the First Step Act, which provides prisoners with a second chance through rehabilitative programs, fair sentencing, and smart confinement."
- His pardon was supported by former Obama official and current CNN commentator Van Jones as well as American Conservative Union Chairman Matt Schlapp and Trump official Mercedes Schlapp.
- Angela Stanton served 6 months home confinement for her role in a stolen vehicle ring.
- Today, the White House noted, "Ms. Stanton is a national best-selling author, widely acclaimed television personality, and proponent of criminal justice reform."
- Her pardon was supporterd by Alveda King.
Among those receiving clemency:
- Tynice Nichole Hall has served almost 14 years of an 18-years sentence for allowing her appartment to be used for the distribution of drugs. The 36-year-old mother has completed job training and worked toward a college degree while in prison, according to the White House.
- Crystal Munoz has been in prison for 12 years for her conviction of what the White House termed "a small role in a marijuana smuggling ring." Since then, "she has mentored people working to better their lives, volunteered with a hospice program, and demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to rehabilitation," the White House said.
- Judith Negron, a 48-year-old wife and mother, has served eight years of a 35-year prison sentence for her part as a minority-owner of a healthcare company that schemed to defraud the federal government.
- Negron's warden told the White House she "has always shown herself to be a model inmate who works extremely well with others and has established a good working relationship with staff and inmates."
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