President Obama Grants 79 More Commutations, Including Nine Florida Inmates

Published

9 years ago

November 22, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN NEWS) – Today, the President granted commutation of sentence to the following 79 individuals: (including nine inmates from Florida)

Lawrence Daro Adams – Houston, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, aiding and abetting; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (July 20, 2001)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Tyrone Allen – Lubbock, TX
Offense: Aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 25, 2003)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Anthony Arthur – Killeen, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of “crack cocaine”; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 210 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (August 3, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Lisa Woods Ball – Sugar Grove, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 3, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.

Curtis A. Beasley – Greer, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more but less than 50 grams of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 408 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 16, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Efrem Berry – Americus, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, aka MDMA; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: 235 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (November 9, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months’ imprisonment.

Albert Betemit – New York, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute in excess of five kilograms of powder cocaine and 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (three counts); distribution of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base (two counts); distribution in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base (two counts); unlawful use of a communication facility; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (September 25, 1996)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months’ imprisonment.

Carroll Edgar Blevins, Jr. – Abingdon, VA
Offense:
1. Distribution of methamphetamine (two counts); Western District of Virginia
2. Supervised release violation (possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (two counts)); Western District of VirginiaSentence:
1. 188 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (November 3, 2006)
2. 51 months’ imprisonment (consecutive); one year’s supervised release (November 3, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Kerwin Blount – New Haven, CT
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; District of Connecticut
Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 18, 2000)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Tramiere Broughton – Clinton, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 3, 2002)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Thomas Brown – Miami, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment (October 24, 1989)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2017.

Christopher Carlton Bryson – Davenport, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana, each a schedule I controlled substance, and cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”), each a schedule II controlled substance; money laundering; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 9, 2001)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Earl Cain – Springfield, MA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; District of Massachusetts
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 15, 2001)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Christopher Michael Calloway – Hampton, VA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 181 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (June 18, 2007); amended to 180 months’ imprisonment (June 9, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Jermaine Lewis Carter – Davenport, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 24, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Jimmy Carter, Jr. – Montgomery, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride (two counts); possession of cocaine hydrochloride; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 23, 2003)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Mark Clifton – Brooklyn, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack) and aiding and abetting; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $7,500 fine (May 28, 1997)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, and unpaid balance of $7,500 fine remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Dewayne Damper – Fontana, CA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute “crack” cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $4,500 fine (April 20, 1999); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release; $4,500 fine (May 12, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Johnny Davis – Florence, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 4, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Roy Edward Detreville, Jr. – Winter Garden, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 8, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Luis Diaz – Winter Park, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 25, 1996); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (July 1, 2015)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

William Henry Dudley – Atlanta, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (April 27, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Reginald Leon Edwards – Chatham, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 181 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $400 fine (August 3, 2007); amended to 180 months’ imprisonment (October 22, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Timothy John Ehrmann – Minneapolis, MN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and ecstasy; aiding and abetting to distribute ecstasy (two counts); aiding and abetting to distribute methamphetamine (three counts); possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Minnesota
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 5, 2004); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (September 12, 2016)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 228 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

P.W. Ferguson – Columbia, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 31, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Darryl D. Fields – Harvey, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 8, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Timothy Fields – Mesquite, TX
Offense: Conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute controlled substance, aiding and abetting (three counts); use and carry firearm during drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 16, 1994)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 465 months’ imprisonment.

Tyris Ford – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); distribution of cocaine base (“crack”) or possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 5, 2001)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Eric Cornell Foster – Bladensburg, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 11, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 175 months’ imprisonment.

Osvaldo Richard Gonzalez – Sylmar, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 7, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Jamere Ireadus Hall – Kissimmee, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; felon in possession of firearm; District of Maryland
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 1, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment.

Avery Hardy – Smithville, GA
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 12, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Donikki Hardy – Pacolet, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 480 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 26, 2002); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment (October 28, 2008); amended to 299 months’ imprisonment (February 5, 2014)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

William Crawford Hardy, III – Roanoke, VA
Offense: Distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 7, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Robert Jeffrey Harris – Fort Walton Beach, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 12, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment.

Jeff Hendricks – Seagoville, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine; conspiracy to possess a List I chemical to manufacture methamphetamine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 9, 2002); amended to 324 months’ imprisonment (April 1, 2016)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Warren Lavell Jackson – Port St. Lucie, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 7, 2000)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months’ imprisonment.

Timothy Johnson – Georgetown, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 28, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Paul Kinney – Anaheim, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 235 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 19, 2006); amended to 210 months’ imprisonment (December 19, 2014)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Daniel Lee Larsen – West Valley City, UT
Offense: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; conspiracy or attempt to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); establishment of a manufacture operation; possession of a listed chemical (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; District of Utah
Sentence: 384 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $2,000 restitution (January 7, 2002)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 270 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Darrius Lewis – McComb, MS
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (May 20, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.

Robert Lum – Waimanalo, HI
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine; District of Hawaii
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 28, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Karliss Lyttle – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; distribution of less than five grams of cocaine base (two counts); Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $500 fine (April 22, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Ryan W. Magro – Dunstable, MA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; District of Massachusetts
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (May 22, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Orlando Keith McCord – Flint, MI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (April 19, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Donna Sue McDaniel – Boyd, TX
Offense: Distribution of 219.6 grams of methamphetamine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 27, 1996)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

John E. McNeill – Washington, DC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP; conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP; District of Kansas
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 23, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Frantz Michel – Brooklyn, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 31, 2003); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment (November 1, 2011); amended to 235 months’ imprisonment (November 2, 2015)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Vernard Mitchell – Washington, DC
Offense: Unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year; unlawful possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; unlawful possession with intent to distribute heroin; unlawful possession with intent to distribute cannabis; District of Columbia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 30, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Robert L. Moffitt – Fort Worth, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; maintaining a drug-involved premises (two counts); Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (April 10, 2006); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (January 12, 2012)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment.

Ward Everette Mohler – Linville, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine; distribution of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (three counts); carry firearm during drug trafficking (two counts); possession of firearm by a convicted felon (two counts); distribution of methamphetamine (nine counts); Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 469 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (April 23, 1992); amended to 436 months’ imprisonment (March 18, 2016)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 22, 2016.

Michael Toriano Morris – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (August 19, 2004); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (November 23, 2015)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Jerry Lee Mutchler – Riverton, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 4, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Victor Robert Nava, Sr. – Billings, MT
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana; distribution of marijuana; possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; distribution of hydrocodone; possession of morphine with intent to distribute; possession of codeine with intent to distribute; District of Montana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 22, 2002)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 270 months’ imprisonment.

Cathy Lea Neal – Council Bluffs, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised (September 24, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 21, 2017.

Jose Otero – Worcester, MA
Offense: Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; District of Massachusetts
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (June 29, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Tilman Rufus Partin – Frakes, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine, aiding and abetting; Eastern District of Kentucky
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 10, 1997)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 324 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Mario A. Powell – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of “crack” cocaine; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 16, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Roosevelt Terence Jerome Rayford – Sherman, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, possess, or dispense cocaine base (crack) or marijuana; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: 326 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $2,000 fine (July 1, 2003); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment (April 29, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.

Eddie James Reed – Albany, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 28, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Jose Rodriguez – Camden, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and more than 50 grams of cocaine base; District of New Jersey
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $10,000 fine (April 27, 2006); amended to 235 months’ imprisonment (August 28, 2015)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $10,000 fine remitted.

Cynthia Valdez Shank – Lansing, MI
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than five kilograms of powder cocaine, 50 grams of cocaine base, and/or 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine); possession with intent to distribute 40 pounds of marijuana; Western District of Michigan
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $10,000 fine (February 29, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017, and unpaid balance of the $10,000 fine remitted.

Artis Sherman – Allen, TX
Offense: Conspiracy in the possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 30, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Carnell Smith – Hazel Crest, IL
Offense:
1. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute mixtures containing cocaine; Northern District of Illinois
2. Possession of a prohibited object by a prison inmate; Eastern District of Arkansas
Sentence:
1. 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 11, 2001)
2. Seven months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (January 5, 2012)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Marco Strickland – Detroit, MI
Offense: Attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: Life imprisonment (October 24, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to 168 months’ imprisonment.

Tony Taylor – Dunn, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base (crack) (five counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 4, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 293 months’ imprisonment.

Deborah Theeler – Sioux City, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine following two prior felony convictions; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 18, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Damarlon Cenaka Thomas – Saginaw, MI
Offense: Distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: 230 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (November 20, 2008)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Dexter Bert Tyson – Orlando, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base and a mixture containing cocaine; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base and cocaine, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine, aiding and abetting (two counts); possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, aiding and abetting; possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, aiding and abetting, felon in possession of a firearm; felon in possession of ammunition; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 13, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months’ imprisonment.

Lavan Maurice Walker – Miami, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of heroin (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (March 9, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Jamie Warfield – Cape Girardeau, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (July 20, 2005)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 21, 2017

Lamar Webster – Concord, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; money laundering conspiracy; money laundering; District of Montana
Sentence: Life imprisonment (April 17, 2009)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Sterling Kenneth Westberry – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 15, 1998)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Travis L. Wilken – Midvale, UT
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of actual methamphetamine; District of Utah
Sentence: 235 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (February 2, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Derrick Maurice Williams – Durham, NC
Offense: Possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 2, 2000)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 21, 2017.

Jacobi Lamont Williams – Greensboro, NC
Offense: Distributed cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 24, 2006)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.

Nelson Williams – Hammond, LA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); distribution of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (July 21, 2004)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.

Darvell D. York – Chicago, IL
Offense: Delivery of a controlled substance; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 8, 2007)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

Myron Young – Louisville, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 20, 2010)

Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.

Darren Soto Faces Toughest Re-Election Fight as Puerto Rican Political Influence Shifts in Central Florida

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2026

Willie David

US Congressman Darren Soto Federal Update on Milton

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — A decade ago, Central Florida’s growing Puerto Rican population was widely viewed as a political force poised to reshape Florida politics for generations.

Today, that momentum faces growing uncertainty.

As congressional redistricting redraws political boundaries, voter turnout fluctuates, and internal political divisions deepen, Puerto Rican political representation in Central Florida is confronting one of its most significant challenges in modern Florida history.

At the center of the debate is Darren Soto, Florida’s first Puerto Rican member of Congress, who now faces a dramatically reshaped congressional district that political analysts say could strongly favor Republicans in 2026.

The battle over Soto’s political future has become symbolic of a larger question unfolding across Orange and Osceola counties: Can Puerto Rican political influence maintain its footing in a rapidly changing Central Florida electorate?

A Community That Once Redefined Florida Politics

Puerto Rican migration to Central Florida accelerated in the early 2000s and surged further following the economic downturn in Puerto Rico and the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017.

The migration transformed communities throughout Orlando, Kissimmee and surrounding areas, creating one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the continental United States.

The political impact soon followed.

Puerto Rican candidates increasingly won elections at both the state and federal levels, creating what many viewed as a rising pipeline of Hispanic leadership in Florida.

That rise included the elections of leaders such as:

US House of Representatives

Darren Soto (D) — U.S. Congressman(2016) ; former State Senator (2012) and State Representative (2007)

Florida State Senate

Victor Torres (D) — former State Senator (2016-2024) and State Representative (2012)

Florida House of Representatives

Susan Plasencia (R) — State Representative (2022)
Johanna López (D) — State Representative (2022) and former Orange County School Board Member
Daisy Morales (D) — former State Representative (2020) and former Supervisor of Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District
Amy Mercado (D) — former State Representative (2016)
René Plasencia (R) — former State Representative (2014)
John Cortes (D) — former State Representative (2014)
Bob Cortes (R) — former State Representative (2014)
Ricardo Rangel (D) — former State Representative 2012
John Quiñones (R) — former State Representative (2002) and former Osceola County Commissioner
Anthony Suarez (D) — former State Representative (1999)

Puerto Rican representation reached a high point during the mid-2010s.

In 2016, six Puerto Rican elected officials simultaneously held seats in Congress or the Florida Legislature, including Soto, Torres, Bob Cortes, John Cortes, Amy Mercado and Rene Plasencia.

Political strategists at the time predicted that Puerto Rican voters could eventually help Democrats establish long-term dominance in Florida.

That projection, however, has not materialized.

Redistricting Changed the Political Landscape

The congressional map approved by Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature significantly altered Central Florida’s political boundaries following the 2020 Census.

The changes reshaped Soto’s congressional district by expanding it eastward and incorporating more conservative coastal and suburban voters.

Under the revised district:

The Hispanic voting-age population declined substantially.
Puerto Rican voter concentration dropped sharply.
White voters became the district’s largest demographic group.
Republican performance improved across multiple precincts added to the district.

Political analysts say the new map transformed what had been a Democratic-leaning Hispanic-majority district into a far more competitive seat.

The map also intensified concerns among civil rights advocates and Puerto Rican community leaders who argue the changes diluted Hispanic voting power.

Several legal challenges were filed against the congressional maps, though Florida courts have thus far allowed the districts to remain in place.

Election Results Raise Concerns

Recent election outcomes have further fueled debate over the future of Puerto Rican political representation.

In Senate District 25, Puerto Rican leadership ended after term limits forced the departure of Victor Torres.

His wife, Carmen Torres, sought to retain the seat in 2024 with support from Democratic leaders and Puerto Rican political organizations. She ultimately lost to a White candidate, Kristen Arrington.

In House Districts 35, 44 and 47 — districts with large Hispanic populations — White candidates also prevailed.

Meanwhile, former State Representative Daisy Morales lost her re-election bid after facing opposition supported by portions of the Democratic establishment. That opposition included, but not limited to Johanna López (Puerto Rican), who previously served as campaign manager for Samuel Vilchez Santiago during his unsuccessful 2020 challenge against Morales and later strongly supported a white candidate in Morales re-election race in 2022.

Some Puerto Rican community leaders argue these election outcomes reflect a growing disconnect between Central Florida’s expanding Hispanic population and the candidates ultimately elected to represent those communities.

Others point to changing coalition politics in Central Florida, where Venezuelan, Colombian, Brazilian and non-Hispanic voters increasingly shape election outcomes alongside Puerto Rican voters.

Internal Political Divisions Complicate the Picture

Political observers also note that internal divisions within Democratic and Puerto Rican political circles have contributed to leadership turnover.

Several recent races featured:

Competing endorsements among Puerto Rican leaders.
Financial support directed toward non-Puerto Rican candidates.
Divisions between progressive and establishment Democratic factions.
Low turnout in local and legislative elections.

The victories of candidates such as Rita Harris demonstrated how coalition-building among African American, White progressive and non-Puerto Rican Hispanic voters could overcome traditional Puerto Rican political bases.

Voter Turnout Remains a Major Challenge

Despite population growth, Puerto Rican voter turnout has remained inconsistent in nonpresidential elections.

Political strategists say turnout gaps continue to weaken electoral influence, particularly in:

Midterm elections.
Local legislative races.
Municipal and county contests.

Lower participation rates among younger voters and newly relocated residents have also limited the community’s ability to fully translate population growth into political power.

Republicans, meanwhile, have made gains among Hispanic voters across Florida, particularly among working-class and socially conservative voters concerned about inflation, public safety and economic issues.

Soto Still Maintains Key Advantages

Despite the challenges, Darren Soto enters the next election cycle with several advantages.

Soto remains one of the most recognizable political figures in Central Florida and has built strong relationships throughout Osceola and Orange counties during his years in public office.

Supporters credit Soto with helping secure federal investments involving:

Transportation infrastructure.
SunRail expansion efforts.
Airport development.
Economic development initiatives.
Hurricane recovery assistance for Puerto Rican families relocating to Florida.

Democrats also believe backlash against aggressive redistricting and growing concerns over immigration enforcement policies could energize Hispanic voter turnout.

Still, many political analysts acknowledge that the new district lines significantly complicate Soto’s path to reelection.

What Happens if Soto Loses?

If Soto is defeated, Florida could temporarily lose Puerto Rican representation in Congress entirely.

For many community leaders, the symbolic impact would be significant.

Puerto Rican advocates argue that representation matters not only legislatively, but culturally and politically, particularly for communities that spent decades building political infrastructure in Central Florida.

The concern extends beyond a single election cycle.

Currently, Johanna López and Susan Plasencia remain among the few Puerto Rican voices serving in the Florida House.

López has announced she will not seek reelection and instead is running for Orange County commissioner. She endorsed Samuel Vilchez Santiago, a Venezuelan American candidate, to succeed her.

If elected, Santiago would further reflect the political evolution of Central Florida’s Hispanic electorate, where multiple Latino communities increasingly share political influence once largely associated with Puerto Rican voters.

A Defining Election Cycle Ahead

As Central Florida continues to diversify politically and demographically, the 2026 election cycle is expected to test whether Puerto Rican political influence can regroup under new district boundaries and changing coalition dynamics.

For Soto and many longtime Puerto Rican leaders, the coming election may determine whether the political movement that transformed Central Florida over the last two decades can maintain its influence — or whether a new political era is already emerging.

Central Florida News

Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz Files for Mayor, Could Become City’s First Puerto Rican Mayor

Published

3 days ago

May 12, 2026

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Tony Ortiz, a longtime Orlando city commissioner, former Marine, and former law enforcement officer, has officially filed to run for mayor of Orlando following Mayor Buddy Dyer’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.

Ortiz filed his candidacy ahead of the November 2027 nonpartisan mayoral election. If elected, he would become Orlando’s first Puerto Rican mayor.

GROWING FIELD OF CANDIDATES
Ortiz joins a growing field of candidates that includes State Representative Anna Eskamani, who could become Orlando’s first Iranian American mayor if elected, along with Elliot Kahanna and Abdelnasser Luth.

In his campaign announcement, Ortiz emphasized issues affecting residents across Orlando, including housing affordability, public safety, homelessness, transportation, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability.

“As the City of Orlando continues to grow and evolve, residents across the city are increasingly focused on the issues that shape everyday life,” Ortiz stated in his campaign announcement.

LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUNDS RESONATE WITH ORANGE COUNTY VOTERS
Political observers note that Orange County voters have historically supported candidates with backgrounds in local, state, and federal law enforcement or public safety roles.

Examples include Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, former Orange County sheriff; former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, former Orlando police chief; former State Senator Victor Torres, a former NYC Transit Police officer; Maitland City Commissioner Keith Givens, a retired FBI agent; former State Representative Daisy Morales, a former HSI official; Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez, a former NYPD officer; and former Orlando City Commissioner Samuel Ings, a former Orlando police officer.

Florida National News Photo

HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATION
Ortiz’s candidacy highlights the continued growth and political influence of Central Florida’s Puerto Rican community. If successful, his election would mark a historic milestone for Puerto Rican representation in Orlando city government.

Florida

Central Florida Lawmakers Challenge DeSantis Redistricting Map as Lawsuits Mount

Published

1 week ago

May 6, 2026

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Central Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials held a press conference on the steps of Orlando City Hall, criticizing a new congressional map signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Speakers included U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost, State Senator Lavon Bracy-Davis, State Representative Bruce Antone, Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell, representatives from Equal Ground, and the Central Florida Urban League. Officials argued the map weakens minority representation and follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that scaled back key protections under the Voting Rights Act.

Florida National News has learned that three lawsuits have been filed seeking to block the newly approved congressional map following the redistricting process. The map is widely viewed as an effort to expand Republican representation in Florida’s congressional delegation ahead of upcoming elections.

IMPACT ON BLACK REPRESENTATION
Leaders warned the redistricting plan could significantly reduce the influence of Black voters in Central Florida and across the state. They argued that dismantling historically minority-access districts undermines decades of progress in equitable representation.

LEGAL CHALLENGES UNDERWAY
At least three lawsuits have been filed challenging the legality of the new map. Civil rights advocates contend the redistricting plan violates federal protections and could further erode voting rights following the Supreme Court’s recent decision.

FUTURE OF BLACK CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
Elected officials and advocacy groups expressed concern about the long-term effects on Black congressional representation. They emphasized the need for continued legal action and community engagement to protect fair representation in future elections.