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President Joe Biden granted full pardons to six individuals, the White House announced Friday.
The individuals receiving pardons were mostly convicted of drug- and alcohol-related crimes as well as a woman convicted of murder for killing her abusive partner.
“Today, President Biden is granting six full pardons for individuals who have served their sentences and have demonstrated a commitment to improving their communities and the lives of those around them,” a White House official said. “These include individuals who honorably served in the U.S. military, volunteer in their communities, and survived domestic abuse.”
Gary Parks Davis is a 66-year-old man who pleaded guilty to the use of a communications facility to facilitate an unlawful cocaine transaction at age 22. He finished his probation in 1981 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and start a landscaping business.
Edward Lincoln De Coito III is a 50-year-old man who pleaded guilty to involvement in a marijuana trafficking conspiracy at age 23. Prior to his arrest De Coito served in the U.S. Army Reserves and received multiple medals. After his release, he was an electrician for 15 years, before becoming a pilot.
Vincente Ray Flores is a 37-year-old man who was sentenced to four months confinement by a special court-martial after consuming ecstasy and alcohol while serving in the military. Flores completed the six-month Air Force Return to Duty Program and returned to military service. Flores was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Flores remains on active duty.
Beverly Ann Ibn-Tamas is an 80-year-old woman who was convicted of killing her husband at the age of 33. Ibn-Tamas testified that her husband physically assaulted and threatened her in the moments leading up to the shooting. Expert testimony about Battered Women Syndrome was not allowed at her trial. After her release, Ibn-Tamas became Director of Nursing for an Ohio-based healthcare business.
Charlie Byrnes Jackson is a 77-year-old who pleaded guilty to one count of possession and sale of distilled spirits without tax stamps at the age of 18. Jackson was denied entry into the Marines because of the conviction.
John Dix Nock III is a 72-year-old man who pleaded guilty to one count of renting and making for use, as an owner, a place for the purpose of manufacturing marijuana plants 27 years ago. Nock was not part of the conspiracy and merle rented the property. He currently runs a general contracting business.
“President Biden believes America is a nation of second chances, and that offering meaningful opportunities for redemption and rehabilitation empowers those who have been incarcerated to become productive, law-abiding members of society,” the White House official said.
“The president remains committed to providing second chances to individuals who have demonstrated their rehabilitation — something that elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree our criminal justice system should offer,” the official added.
The president pardoned three people in April, including the first Black Secret Service agent to serve on a presidential detail.
Then, in October, Biden announced he was pardoning thousands of individuals convicted of marijuana possession under federal law. The White House said at the time the executive action would benefit 6,500 people.
