President Biden pardoned or commuted the sentence Wednesday of 16 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, including 11 who sold cocaine and three who dealt crack.
The White House said those granted clemency received disproportionately longer sentences than they would have under current laws and policies.
In a statement, Mr. Biden said those receiving clemency have shown “they are deserving of forgiveness and the chance at building a brighter future for themselves beyond prison walls.”
All told, Mr. Biden pardoned 11 individuals and commuted the sentences of five others, saying the move reflects his commitment to “addressing racial disparities and improving public safety.”
The 11 people pardoned by Mr. Biden will have their rights restored, including the ability to vote and own guns. All 11 had already finished their sentences.
While in the Senate, Mr. Biden wrote or co-sponsored some of the nation’s harshest drug laws in the 1980s and 1990s for distribution of crack and cocaine.
The five individuals who had their sentences commuted include Daequon Charles Davis of Johnson City, Tennessee, who was sentenced to 262 months for conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine; Jophaney Hyppolite of Miami, who was sentenced to life in prison for distribution and conspiracy to manufacture and to possess with intent to distribute more than 280 grams cocaine base; and Margaret Ann Vandyke of Ellenville, New York who faced 60 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
Also receiving sentencing commutations are Leshay Nicole Rhoton of Bristol, Tennessee, who faced 240 months for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine, and Xavier Martez Parnell of Clarksville, Tennessee, who faced 300 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base.
Among those who received pardons were Beverly Denise Holcy of Palatka, Florida, who received 60 months in prison for distributing crack; and Katrina Polk of the District of Columbia, who received one day in prison for conspiracy to distribute crack.
Upon Ms. Polk’s release, she earned a doctorate in public policy and administration and is an advocate for the elderly, the White House said. Ms. Holcy has been fully employed, volunteers at her church and assists in community activities since her release, according to the White House.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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