President Joe Biden issued his first clemency recipient list, which included 78 individuals, on Tuesday in honor of “Second Chance Month.”
“Today, I am pardoning three people who have demonstrated their commitment to rehabilitation and are striving every day to give back and contribute to their communities,” the President said in a statement.
Biden pardoned sentences of three, including the African American Secret Service Agent Abraham W. Bolden, which is full forgiveness of a crime. Those pardoned can vote, run for public office and own a gun.
Bolden, 86, was a member of the Secret Service protecting former President John F. Kennedy before being accused of trying to sell a Secret Service file. Key witnesses in his trial later admitted they had lied, but he still served over three years in federal prison. He has always maintained his innocence.
Betty Jo Bogans, 51, was convicted for transporting drugs for her then-boyfriend. She single mother by the time she began her seven-year sentence. Bogan has been released from prison for nearly 20 years and has been a productive member of society ever since.
Dexter Eugene Jackson, 52, allowed his business to act as a distribution center for marijuana. He pled guilty. Since his release, Jackson started a cell phone repair business and began a program to provide work experience for local high schoolers. He also helps build and renovate homes where affordable housing is rare.
Biden commuted the sentences of 75 others who were serving time for non-violent drug offenses. Convictions will remain in place but their sentences will be shortened.
Biden also announced that his administration would be implementing new services to support those returning to life after incarceration. Some of these tools include a partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor to provide job training and grants to strengthen workforce development programs.
