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Press Release

President Obama Grants Commutations and Pardons

For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs

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.

 

  • Alton D. Mills – Chicago, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base and cocaine and conspiracy to use communication facilities in the commission of drug trafficking offenses; use of communication facility to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Northern District of Illinois)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; (July 14, 1994)

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

 

  • Alphonso Ravon Morrison – Lincolnton, NC

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; 10 years’ supervised release (May 7, 2001)

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

 

  • Matthew Murphy, III – Moreno Valley, CA

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine (Western District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Nov. 13, 1997)

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

 

  • Darnell Jamar Nash – Ardmore, OK

Offense:  Drug conspiracy (Eastern District of Oklahoma)

Sentence:  264 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Mar. 18, 2004)

Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016, and 10-year term of supervised release commuted to three years of supervised release.

 

  • Eric L. Orington – Danville, IL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of (crack) cocaine (Central District of Illinois)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $2,000 fine (Sep. 1, 1995)

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

 

  • Lynette Owens – Lehigh Acres, FL

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute five or more grams of cocaine base, “crack cocaine” (Middle District of Florida)

Sentence:  188 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (Jan. 22, 2007)

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

 

  • David Padilla – Philadelphia, PA

Offense:  Conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Nov. 18, 1997)

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

 

  • LaShawn D. Patton – Cahokia, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; felon in possession of firearm; possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime (Southern District of Illinois)

Sentence:  180 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Feb. 24, 2006)

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

 

  • Donald Lamont Postell – Miami, FL

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

Sentence:  600 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $20,000 fine (Feb. 1, 1989)

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

 

  • Lalanda Price – Wellington, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (Northern District of Florida)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Nov. 29, 2004)

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

 

  • Lamar Roberson – Savannah, GA

Offense:  Conspiracy; distribution of cocaine (two counts) (Southern District of Georgia)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Dec. 6, 1991)

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

 

  • Kenneth Cordell Robinson – Houston, TX

Offense:  Distribution of cocaine base (Southern District of Texas)

Sentence:  262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (Apr. 21, 2000)

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

 

  • Amador Rodriguez – Chicago, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine (Northern District of Illinois)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; $25,000 fine (Apr. 24, 1991)

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

 

  • Felix Roman, Jr. – Reading, PA

Offense:  Possession of five grams or more of cocaine base “crack” with the intent to distribute; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Apr. 15, 2003)

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

 

  •  Angel Sanchez – Atlantic Beach, FL

Offense:  Possession with intent to deliver five or more grams of cocaine (crack); possession of a firearm during or in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm (Eastern District of Pennsylvania)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (Mar. 13, 2006)

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

 

  • Timothy Bernard Sanchious – Richmond, VA

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, to wit: “crack” (Eastern District of Virginia)

Sentence:  204 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Dec. 16, 2004)        

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

 

  • Michael Santoyo – Saginaw, MI

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (three counts) (Eastern District of Michigan)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 20 years’ supervised release; $80,000 fine (May 24, 1993)

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

 

  • Wilbert L. Shoemaker – Tallulah, LA

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and marijuana (Western District of Louisiana)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Feb. 2, 2004)

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

 

  • Marcus Stovall – Etowah, TN

Offense:  Possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute (Eastern District of Tennessee)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Oct. 21, 2002)

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

 

  • Daron Benjamin Swygert – Gaston, SC

Offense:  Possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base (District of South Carolina)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Apr. 13, 2001)

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

 

  • Billie Marie Taylor – Houston, TX

Offense:  Did knowingly and willfully conspire, combine, confederate and agree together, with each other, and with other persons, to manufacture methamphetamine; did knowingly and intentionally possess a listed chemical, namely ephedrine, with intent to manufacture methamphetamine; did knowingly use and carry a firearm, namely, a 12 gauge Harrington and Richardson, Inc. shotgun, serial number AX492667, during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime for which the defendant may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, namely, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; did knowingly possess a firearm, namely, a 12 gauge Harrington and Richardson, Inc. shotgun, serial number AX492667, with a barrel length of less than 18 inches and a weapon made from a shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches, and such firearm was not registered to the defendant in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (Eastern District of Texas)

Sentence:  412 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Feb. 28, 1992); prison sentence amended to 355 months’ imprisonment (Jul. 15, 2015)

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

  • Eric Desmond Thomas – Houston, TX

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

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $20,000 fine (Sep. 26, 1996)

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

 

  • Raymond Allen Thomas – Fairbanks, AK

Offense:  Possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute (District of Alaska)

Sentence:  265 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Feb. 7, 2005); prison sentence amended to 216 months’ imprisonment (Mar. 4, 2015)

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

 

  • Bruce Lamar Thompson – Dalton, GA

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine after sustaining a prior felony drug conviction (Northern District of Georgia)

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

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

 

  • Keith Demond Thompson – Eastpointe, MI

Offense:  Distribution of five grams of more of cocaine base (two counts) (Eastern District of Michigan)

Sentence:  188 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (May 24, 2006)

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

 

  • Otis Lee Thompson, Jr. – Houston, TX

Offense:  Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute codeine (Southern District of Texas)

Sentence:  195 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (Dec. 6, 2005); prison sentence amended to 180 months’ imprisonment (May 20, 2008)

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

 

  • Charles Lee Torian – South Boston, VA

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possess with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base (two counts); possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (Western District of Virginia)

Sentence:  300 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Apr. 19, 2002)

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

 

  • Maurice Junior Turpin – Lynchburg, VA

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

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $500.00 fine (Jul. 19, 2007)

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

 

  • Tommie Sand Tyree – Birmingham, AL

Offense:  Distribution of 50 grams or more of “crack” cocaine (Northern District of Alabama)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 96 months’ supervised release (Feb. 7, 2007)

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

 

  • Alfonzo Samuel Wallace – Lake Worth, FL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, distribution and manufacturing of cocaine base (three counts); possession of cocaine (Southern District of Florida)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (Oct. 23, 1997)

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

 

  • John Thomas Watters – Midlothian, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substance (two counts); maintaining drug involved premises; felon in possession of firearms (Northern District of Oklahoma)

Sentence:  240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 26, 2006) Commutation Grant:  Prison sentence commuted to expire on April 16, 2016.

 

  • Monica Ann White – Rock Island, IL

Offense:  Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); distribute cocaine base (“crack”) (Southern District of Iowa)

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

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

 

  • Shelton L. Williams – Galveston, TX

Offense:  Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine (Southern District of Texas)

Sentence:  Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 1, 1997)

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

 

The President granted pardons to the following two individuals:

  • Jon Dylan Girard – Centerville, OH

Offense:  Making counterfeit obligations (Southern District of Ohio)

Sentence:  Three years' probation, with the special condition of six months' home confinement (Nov. 7, 2002).

 

  • Melody Eileen Homa, fka Melody Eileen Childress – New Kent, VA

Offense:  Aiding and abetting bank fraud (Eastern District of Virginia)

Sentence:  Thirty days’ home detention; three years’ supervised release conditioned on performance of 200 hours of community service (Dec. 16, 1991).

 

Updated May 3, 2022

Press Release Number: 15-1564