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President Bush Issues 14 Pardons, 2 Commutations

By Jeralyn

President Bush pardoned 14 individuals and commuted 2 sentences sentences today. The press release with list of names and offenses is here.

The commutations are for two drug traffickers who got big sentences they are currently serving:

• John Edward Forte -North Brunswick, N.J.

  Offense: Aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; 21 U.S.C. Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A)(ii), 18 U.S.C. Section 2.

  Sentence:Nov. 20, 2001; Southern District of Texas; 168 months in prison, five years' supervised release and a $5,000 fine.

  Terms of commutation: Sentence of imprisonment to expire on Dec. 22, 2008, leaving intact and in effect the five year term of supervised release with all its conditions.

[More...]

• James Russell Harris -Detroit, Mich.

  Offense: Conspiracy to aid and abet the distribution of cocaine, 21 U.S.C. Section 846; attempted money laundering, 18 U.S.C. Section 1956(a)(3) and 2; aiding and abetting the attempted distribution of cocaine, 21 U.S.C. Section 841(a)(1); conspiracy to affect interstate commerce by obtaining property under color of official right, 18 U.S.C. Section 1951; attempt to affect interstate commerce by obtaining property under color of official right, 18 U.S.C. Section 1951.

  Sentence:May 10, 1993; Eastern District of Michigan; 360 months in prison, five years' supervised release and a $50,000 fine.

  Terms of clemency grant: Unpaid balance of fine remitted; sentence of imprisonment commuted to expire on Dec. 22, 2008, leaving intact and in effect the five year term of supervised release with all its conditions save the obligation to satisfy the unpaid balance of the fine.

Most of the pardons are for small crimes and offenders who got probation or light sentences a long time ago. Most of those on the list are from the South.

All of Bush's pardons through March, 2008 are listed here. For prior Presidents, go here.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on November 24, 2008 (boomark / email).