BUCKNACKT'S SORDID TAWDRY BLOG
We should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive & well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate, bier or wein in hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WHOO-HOO, WHAT A RIDE!!!!!!"
A South Dakota man whose sentence of life in prison was commuted by former Gov. Kristi Noem is now implicated in the death of his 14-year-old niece
Mead Gruver & Jacques Billeaud Friday 19 June 2026 05:04 EDT
Two men, including one whose life sentence was commuted by then-South DakotaGov.Kristi Noem, have been charged in the death of a 14-year-old girl whose body was found in a rural area five days after she went missing in March.
McKenna Wendel was reported missing on March 13 and last seen alive in her hometown of Sioux Falls early on March 14. Her body was found outside Brookings, an hour's drive north of Sioux Falls, on March 19.
Wendel's uncle, Mark Milk, 51, also of Sioux Falls, now faces five counts related to her death.
Milk was almost three decades into a life term on a manslaughter conviction when Noem commuted his sentence in 2023.
Wendel was raised by her grandparents, loved animals and had a “vibrant personality and a zest for life,” according to her obituary. She and her grandparents were members of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and often attended powwows.
“She loved the singing and the beautiful sounds of the drums,” her obituary read.
Details about Wendel's death remained thin as authorities who announced the charges in a Sioux City, Iowa, news conference Thursday kept close what they knew to protect their investigation.
Milk faces five counts, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine that caused Wendel's death. He is also charged with transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, according to court documents.
Jon Rogness, 38, of Brookings, faces conspiracy and accessory charges in an alleged attempt to cover up the crimes. The counts against the men were the “most serious, readily provable” charges and all originated in Iowa, Leif Olson, U.S. attorney for northern Iowa, said at the news conference.
“This is a horrific case,” FBI special agent Gene Kowel said. “There are no cases that we investigate that are more heart-wrenching and more tragic than the ones that involve children or the death of a child.”
The men had no attorneys in court records to comment on their behalf.
In February 2023, Noem commuted Milk’s life sentence for a manslaughter conviction in an October 1993 stabbing death. Milk, then 19, had been involved in several altercations in the city of Winner that ended with the death of Shawn Peneaux, according to records.
Milk was in jail on unrelated allegations of driving under the influence and eluding police when Wendel's body was found. His name came up in public discussion about the case from the start.
But prosecutors, who finished their investigation in late May, did not formally link him to Wendel's death until they filed charges Wednesday.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said in a late March news conference the decision to commute Milk's life sentence was strictly Noem's.
“It is fairly often that you see law enforcement oppose commutations," Jackley remarked without commenting further on Noem's decision.
The commutation documents were sealed and even he had not seen them, he noted.
The Associated Press left a message Thursday for Noem on seeking comment through NovaRed Mining, a Canadian firm she recently joined in a “strategic advisory role."
A Republican, Noem, 54, was South Dakota's lone congressperson from 2011 to 2019 and governor from 2019 to 2025.
She was Homeland Security secretary before being fired in March by President Donald Trump amid criticism of her handling of the administration’s immigration crackdown and disaster response.
Trump praised Noem's leadership and said he was making her special envoy for “The Shield of the Americas."
The new organization of Western Hemisphere nations is focused on supporting democracy and security in the region.
The Native American activist is in poor health and has long said he did not receive a fair trial and was not culpable in the 1975 slayings.
In one of his final acts as president, Joe Biden commuted the life sentence of Native American activist Leonard Peltier, whose case became a rallying cry for the Indigenous movement since his conviction for killing two FBI agents but whose release drew swift opposition from law enforcement officials.
Peltier, 80, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, had been serving two life sentences at a federal penitentiary in Florida for the 1975 slayings of agents Ronald Williams and Jack Coler during a shootout at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
His case has been criticized by supporters who say he did not receive a fair trial. Peltier was denied parole as recently as last summer and wouldn’t have been eligible again until next year.His health has declined significantly in recent years, advocates said, after multiple bouts with covid-19, diabetes, a stroke and an aortic aneurysm.
Biden, in a statement, cited those health concerns to explain his decision, saying the commutation would allow Peltier to serve the remainder of his sentence at home without beingpardoned for his crimes.
“It’s finally over — I’m going home,” Peltier said, according to the NDN Collective, an Indigenous rights organization in Rapid City, South Dakota, that had advocated for his release. “I want to show the world I’m a good person with a good heart. I want to help the people, just like my grandmother taught me.”
Peltier’s case has long been a flash point for the Indigenous rights movement,which says investigators coerced witnesses in his case and that prosecutors withheld exculpatory evidence, leading to an unjust conviction. Activists have worked for decades to secure his release.
“They treated Leonard Peltier differently, and how he was treated is consistent with how Indigenous people have been mistreated by the U.S. government since the very founding of this country,” said Nick Tilsen, NDN Collective’s founder and chief executive. “That’s why this moment means so much to us. … We see a little bit of ourselves in him. We relate to him.”
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies have consistently opposed Peltier’s release. Hundreds of FBI agents marched on the White House in 2000 as President Bill Clinton weighed clemency for Peltier. Both he and President Barack Obama denied previous Peltier petitions.
This month, then-FBI Director Christopher A. Wray wrote to Biden to express his “vehement and steadfast opposition” to any clemency grant for Peltier that the president might be considering.
Wray dismissed Peltier’s claims of an unfair trial as meritless and accused his sympathizers of “wrongly promot[ing] him as a standard-bearer for legitimate grievances about the United States government’s historical treatment of Native Americans.”
“Peltier is a ruthless murderer who has shown a complete lack of remorse for his many crimes,” Wray wrote. “The overwhelming and unassailable evidence of Peltier’s guilt, coupled with his persistent refusal to accept responsibility, make him wholly unfit for a commutation or pardon.”
And just days before Biden’s commutation announcement, a group called the “No Parole Peltier Association,” led by retired FBI agents, celebrated in a post on the group’s website that Biden had not so far acted on Peltier’s clemency requests.
A member of the American Indian Movement, a national organization founded in the 1960s to address issues including poverty, police brutality and discrimination against Native Americans, Peltier has admitted to participating in the shootout that resulted in the deaths ofWilliams and Coler. But he has insisted he did so in self-defense and did not kill the agents.
The two men were shot in the head at close range while on the Pine Ridge reservation attempting to arrest a fugitive, the FBI has said. Peltier fled to Canada and was eventually extradited to the United States before standing trial on two counts of first-degree murder.
Though more than 30 other activists were present during the shootout, Peltier was the only one convicted of a crime for his role. Two other members of the movement, Robert Robideau and Dino Butler, were tried for murder but acquitted — in part due to exculpatory evidence that was admitted during their trials but excluded from Peltier’s.
Supporters of Peltier’s past bids for release have pointed to other aspects of the case to suggest he did not receive a fair trial, including recantations from key prosecution witnesses who said their testimony was given to FBI agentsunder duress.
Over the years, liberal lawmakers, human rights organizations and luminaries including the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, civil rights leader Coretta Scott King, and celebrities such as actor Robert Redford and Steven Van Zandt, guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, have joined the lobbying, letter-writing and demonstrations advocating for Peltier’s release. Some members of the original prosecution team and the judge who sentenced Peltier have also written in support of some form of clemency for Peltier over the years.
Despite that support, more than 22 federal judges had reviewed and upheld Peltier’s conviction dismissing his various appeals, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley (R) said in a statement after Biden’s clemency decision Monday. “The Attorney General’s Office strongly opposes this action and has in recent months argued against a change in the defendant’s sentence,” it read.
The FBI Agents Association, a union representing current and former agents, called Biden’s decision, a “last-second, disgraceful act,” “a cruel betrayal to the families of these fallen agents” and “a slap in the face of law enforcement.”
Those condemnations did little to dampen the exuberance of Indigenous leaders who viewed the clemency action as not just a personal reprieve for Peltier but also a symbolic acknowledgment of what they described as broader, historical mistreatment of Native Americans.
Fawn Sharp, a former president of the National Congress of American Indians and former tribal president of the Quinault Indian Nation in Washington state, said she “could cry with joy” after learning of Peltier’s commutation Monday. Sharp was one of 120 Indigenous leaders who wrote to Biden last week urging him to take action to spare Peltier before leaving office.
“I am beyond excited [at] what this means symbolically for the entire population of Native Americans,” she said.
Mark Macarro, president of the National Congress of American Indians, one of the largest nonprofits representing Native Americans, called Biden’s clemency decision “a powerful act of compassion and an important step toward healing.”
In a post Monday on X, Deb Haaland, Biden’s interior secretary and the first Native American Cabinet secretary, said Peltier’s commutation “signifies a measure of justice that has long evaded so many Native Americans for so many decades.”
“I am grateful that Leonard can now go home to his family,” she wrote. “I applaud President Biden for this action and understanding what this means to Indian Country.”
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. - Colossians 3:12
Voice of the day
Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity. - Simone Weil
Prayer of the day
Gracious God, guide us to embrace compassion and humility, so that we may engage with others wholeheartedly.
PRES BIDEN has commuted the sentences of nearly 1500 non-violent offenders and pardoned 39 non-violent offenders, all worthy of his mercy and compassion and our support. Please click the link below to join the ACLU's campaign telling Pres Biden to commute the sentences of everyone on Federal death row, and share this call to action with family and friends.
ACLU
As President Biden considers his presidential legacy, he should use his executive clemency powers to commute the sentences of those on federal death row.
Despite making history for openly opposing the death penalty while on the campaign trail, President Biden has yet to take permanent action and commute any federal death sentence.
But there's still time. With one month left in office, President Biden can and must use the powers of his office to commute the sentence of the people on federal death row – a step towards addressing the injustice of the federal death penalty and preventing Donald Trump from being able to execute an unprecedented number of people, like he did last time.
The consequences are dire if Biden doesn't act now.
In Donald Trump's first term, he oversaw more executions than any other president in the last 120 years – including the executions of people who were sentenced as teenagers, people with severe mental health conditions, and one man whose Alzheimer's disease left him unable to understand the reason for his execution. And Trump is planning on expanding his use of the death penalty in his second term – even proposing the death penalty for drug-related offenses or leaking information about him to the press.
President Biden has the power to address the broken federal death penalty system – but he must do it now.
Today’s announcement will commute the sentences of close to 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement and will pardon 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes
Today, President Biden announced that he is granting clemency to nearly 1,500 Americans – the most ever in a single day – who have shown successful rehabilitation and a strong commitment to making their communities safer. The President is commuting the sentences of close to 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and who have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities. He is also pardoning 39 individuals who were convicted of non-violent crimes. These actions represent the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history.
Together, these actions build on the President’s record of criminal justice reform to help reunite families, strengthen communities, and reintegrate individuals back into society. The President has issued more sentence commutations at this point in his presidency than any of his recent predecessors at the same point in their first terms. He is also the first President ever to issue categorical pardons to individuals convicted of simple use and possession of marijuana, and to former LGBTQI+ service members convicted of private conduct because of their sexual orientation. In the coming weeks, the President will take additional steps to provide meaningful second chances and continue to review additional pardons and commutations.
Americans receiving relief today include:
A decorated military veteran and pilot who spends much of his time helping his fellow church members who are in poor health or unable to perform strenuous tasks;
A nurse who has led emergency response for several natural disasters and who helped spearhead vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
An addiction counselor who volunteers his time to help young people find their purpose, make better choices, and refrain from destructive behaviors and gang involvement.
As the President has said, the United States is a nation of second chances. The President recognizes how the clemency power can advance equal justice under law and remedy harms caused by practices of the past.
The nearly 1,500 individuals who received commutations today have been serving their sentences at home for at least one year under the COVID-era CARES Act. These Americans have been reunited with their families and shown their commitment to rehabilitation by securing employment and advancing their education. The 39 individuals receiving pardons today were convicted of non-violent crimes, including drug offenses, and have turned their lives around. These individuals are parents, veterans, health care professionals, teachers, advocates, and engaged members of their communities. Many of them have used their experiences in the criminal justice system to inspire and encourage others.
Individual Clemency Actions Throughout the Biden-Harris Administration
The President is intent on granting clemency to individuals convicted of non-violent crimes who were sentenced under outdated laws, policies, and practices that left them with longer sentences than if the individuals were sentenced today.
To address these injustices, President Biden has taken several bold clemency actions throughout his Administration, including:
In April 2022, the President granted clemency to individuals with various drug-related offenses and some individuals on CARES Act home confinement. In total, he granted three pardons and 75 commutations.
In December 2022, the President granted clemency to recipients with various drug- and alcohol-related offenses. In total, he granted six pardons.
In April 2023, the President granted clemency to recipients on CARES Act home confinement. In total, he granted 31 commutations.
In December 2023 and April 2024, the President granted clemency to individuals sentenced for non-violent drug offenses. In total, he granted 11 pardons and 16 commutations.
These individual actions have helped to transform these individuals’ lives and positively impact their communities. Federal convictions make it difficult to secure housing, jobs, educational opportunities, benefits, and health care; all essential to living a healthy and productive life. Through his use of the clemency power, President Biden has taken steps to unlock doors of opportunity that would have otherwise remained closed to these recipients, who deserve a second chance.
Categorical Clemency Actions throughout the Biden-Harris Administration
In addition to these individual clemency actions, President Biden has issued a number of categorical pardons to certain groups of people. The President has used categorical clemency more than any of his predecessors, which has allowed him to widely and systemically respond to historic injustices. His bold and unprecedented categorical actions, broadly outlined below, include the following:
In October 2022, the President issued a full, complete, and unconditional categorical pardon for the offense of simple possession of marijuana.
In December 2023, the President issued another proclamation that expanded earlier relief for the offenses of simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana, regardless of whether the individual had been charged with or prosecuted for the offenses on or before the date of the proclamation.
In June 2024, the President issued a full, complete, and unconditional categorical pardons to certain former military service persons convicted of offenses based on their sexual orientation, specifically unaggravated offenses based on consensual, private conduct with persons age 18 and older occurring between May 31, 1951, and December 26, 2013, as well as attempts, conspiracies, or solicitations of such conduct.
The President’s categorical approach to clemency has also inspired leaders across the country to take similar action. Over ten states and localities, including Maryland and Massachusetts, have issued categorical clemency for marijuana convictions, impacting hundreds of thousands of people and allowing individuals to move past their convictions and move on with their daily lives.
While today’s announcement marks important progress, there is more to come. President Biden will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver criminal justice reform in a manner that advances equity and justice, promotes public safety, supports rehabilitation and reentry, and provides meaningful second chances.
Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is granting clemency consisting of 39 pardons and 1,499 commutations.
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is pardoning the following 39 individuals:
NINA SIMONA ALLEN – Harvest, Alabama Nina Simona Allen is a 49-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent offense in her 20s. In the years since, Ms. Allen returned to school to earn a post-baccalaureate degree and two master’s degrees. She now works in the field of education. Ms. Allen strengthens her community by volunteering at a local soup kitchen and at a nursing home. Ms. Allen is described by people who know her as a dependable, hardworking woman of integrity.
KELSIE LYNN BECKLIN – Falcon Heights, Minnesota Kelsie Lynn Becklin is a 38-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense at the age of 21. After successfully serving her sentence, Ms. Becklin has furthered her education and recently completed a Ph.D. program. In addition to her graduate program research and academic writing, Ms. Becklin mentors previously incarcerated individuals who also seek to pursue higher education. She is also an active volunteer in her community. Friends and professors attest to her work ethic, dedication, and genuine care for others.
DURAN ARTHUR BROWN – Cleveland, Ohio Duran Arthur Brown is a 44-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Mr. Brown received early termination of his probationary sentence and has advanced his education and maintained consistent employment in the field of education. Mr. Brown is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and during his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and several other medals and awards. Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Brown served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He is described by colleagues as caring and compassionate.
NORMAN O’NEAL BROWN – Washington, DC Norman O’Neal Brown is a 56-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent drug offenses when he was 22 years old. If Mr. Brown had been sentenced under current law and today’s sentencing practices, he likely would have received a shorter sentence. After serving over 20 years in prison, President Obama commuted his sentence in 2015. Since then, Mr. Brown has worked with several non-profit organizations, including those focused on rehabilitation, reentry, and justice-impacted youth. Mr. Brown volunteers at several national and community-based organizations that help support incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated people and serves as a board member for a non-profit dedicated to sentencing reform. Family members and colleagues describe Mr. Brown as a man of grace and integrity and an exceptional human being.
ARTHUR LAWRENCE BYRD – Clinton, Maryland Arthur Lawrence Byrd is a 58-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses at the age of 23. In the years since, Mr. Byrd has been employed as an equipment operator, where he has received various certificates in recognition and appreciation for his work and safety record. He is also active in his church community and contributes to the church’s coat drive and food pantry. People who know him attest to his willingness to help others, his work ethic, and his character.
SARAH JEAN CARLSON – Coon Rapids, Minnesota Sarah Jean Carlson is a 49-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. She received early termination of her probationary sentence. Since then, she has furthered her education and worked in addiction counseling at a faith-based rehabilitation center. Ms. Carlson also volunteers in her local community and at her church. Community members emphasize that Ms. Carlson goes above and beyond to help as many people in crisis as possible.
BRANDON SERGIO CASTROFLAY – Alexandria, Virginia Brandon Sergio Castroflay is a 49-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent, drug-related offenses at age 21. After successfully completing his sentence, Mr. Castroflay continued his career in the U.S. Army and then went on to work as a civilian for both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Castroflay received multiple awards related to his work. He also took night classes to earn a bachelor’s degree while also working full-time. Mr. Castroflay volunteers for several charitable organizations that support Gold Star families and wounded service members. Mr. Castroflay has been described as exceptionally hard working, dedicated, and trustworthy by those who know him.
ROSETTA JEAN DAVIS – Colville, Washington Rosetta Jean Davis is a 60-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses. After successfully serving her sentence, Ms. Davis has maintained steady employment, including by working as a peer supporter for those struggling with substance abuse. Colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors all speak highly of her, citing her hard work, dependability, and willingness to serve as an example of rehabilitation to those with criminal records or who are battling addiction.
STEVONI WELLS DOYLE – Santaquin, Utah Stevoni Wells Doyle is a 47-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses at the age of 24. After her conviction, she completed a master’s program and has worked as a licensed substance use disorder counselor. She volunteers in her community and fosters animals. Community members describe her as a great mentor and a person of integrity.
GREGORY S. EKMAN – Fountain Valley, California Gregory S. Ekman is a 58-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense at the age of 25. After successfully serving his sentence, Mr. Ekman has maintained consistent employment and has engaged in extensive community service, including with a youth group and with his local church. Friends and associates uniformly praise his character, honesty, and dedication to family. During his U.S. Air Force service, Mr. Ekman received the Training Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award.
SHANNAN RAE FAULKNER – Muldrow, Oklahoma Shannan Rae Faulkner is a 56-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. After successfully serving her sentence, she furthered her education and now works as a counselor and recovery coach with female trauma victims and people with disabilities. Ms. Faulkner also volunteers with organizations dedicated to preventing sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as with local charities. Colleagues attest to her inspirational character, her integrity, and the remarkable impact she makes on the lives of those she helps.
TRYNITHA FULTON – New Orleans, Louisiana Trynitha Fulton is a 46-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses she committed when she was 23 years old. Since her conviction, she has earned a master’s degree and worked in the education field. Ms. Fulton also contributes to her community by coaching and volunteering, including for an organization that feeds homeless individuals. She also founded two non-profits dedicated to supporting and helping youth. Ms. Fulton has been described as someone who goes above and beyond for her community.
PAUL JOHN GARCIA – Las Vegas, New Mexico Paul John Garcia is a 72-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent theft offenses. Since his conviction, he has maintained steady employment in the medical field. Mr. Garcia engages in community service, including with a charity supporting and mentoring youth. Mr. Garcia is a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, where he received the National Defense Service Medal and other medals and awards. He is known for his extraordinary and compassionate delivery of patient care and his volunteerism.
KIM DOUGLAS HAMAN – Lima, Ohio Kim Douglas Haman is a 75-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses. Mr. Haman is also a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served in the Vietnam War and earned awards, including the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged. After his conviction, Mr. Haman worked at a vehicle parts production facility and retired after 16 years of service. Mr. Haman has gained the reputation of being an excellent handyman and a devoted family man who is sincere, honest, and hardworking.
SHERRANDA JANELL HARRIS – Norwalk, Connecticut Sherranda Janell Harris is a 43-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense when she was 24 years old. In the years since, Ms. Harris has maintained employment in the finance and real estate fields. Ms. Harris is an engaged parent and spends most of her free time with her child. She is also committed to her church and has taken care of fellow parishioners. Ms. Harris has been described as a role model for young women in her community.
TERENCE ANTHONY JACKSON – Seattle, Washington Terence Anthony Jackson is a 36-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense he committed when he was 23 years old. If Mr. Jackson had been sentenced under current law and sentencing practices, he would have likely received a shorter sentence. In the years since his release, Mr. Jackson has worked in the legal industry and is pursuing a degree while he works full-time. In addition to studying, Mr. Jackson has volunteered in his community, including as a barber to children in need. He is described by those who know him as dependable and caring and as someone who always tries to help others.
EDWIN ALLEN JONES – Paducah, Kentucky Edwin Allen Jones is a 60-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses. Mr. Jones served in the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged. Since successfully completing his sentence, Mr. Jones has had a notable legal career. Mr. Jones also participates in local government and volunteers for addiction recovery groups. Mr. Jones is described by community members as thoughtful, forward thinking, and trustworthy.
JAMAL LEE KING – North Ridgeville, Ohio Jamal Lee King is a 53-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Mr. King is a U.S. Army veteran. He received the National Defense Service Medal and several other awards before being honorably discharged. He received early termination of his probationary sentence and has since worked in various jobs. Mr. King contributes to his community through his church and by caring for his elderly neighbors. His community members describe him as trustworthy and honest.
JERRY DONALD MANNING – Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Jerry Donald Manning is a 70-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent offenses. Mr. Manning received early termination of his probationary sentence and has since advanced his education and career in aviation. He is active in his community, coaching soccer, attending church, and serving as a bible study teacher. Mr. Manning is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in service, he was awarded a medal during Operation Desert Storm, and was honorably discharged. Friends and colleagues attest to his character, describing him as a good, honest man and a great leader.
HONI LORI MOORE – Rock Springs, Wyoming Honi Lori Moore is a 46-year-old woman who committed a non-violent drug offense when she was 19 years old. Since her release, she has maintained consistent employment in the mining industry and has furthered her education by earning certificates. Ms. Moore is a member of two charitable organizations and has provided critical support to individuals in need, including fire safety, rescue, and first aid. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues describe Ms. Moore as honest, courageous, trustworthy, and dependable.
EMILY GOOD NELSON – Indianapolis, Indiana Emily Good Nelson is a 39-year-old woman who was convicted of non-violent drug offenses when she was 19 years old. Since her release, she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and now works in the healthcare field. She has spoken publicly about drug use and has volunteered as a counselor at an in-patient psychiatric facility. She is described as kind, committed to recovery and helping others, and as someone with tremendous talent and ability.
DENITA NICOLE PARKER – Gaffney, South Carolina Denita Nicole Parker is a 43-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense when she was in her 20s. Since her conviction, she has been a dedicated parent to her two children and works full-time. Ms. Parker also volunteers with a charitable organization delivering meals at least two to three times per month, organizes donations for the homeless, and buys holiday gifts for children in her community. She and her husband also started a program that feeds approximately 100 families. Friends, work associates, and neighbors describe Ms. Parker as law-abiding, trustworthy, dependable, and dedicated person.
MICHAEL GARY PELLETIER – Augusta, Maine Michael Gary Pelletier is a 67-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Mr. Pelletier served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 14 years on active duty, where he participated in more than 790 search and rescue operations and saved 32 lives. He also previously worked with the U.S. Secret Service and received several citations and awards for his meritorious service. He was honorably discharged and later served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. After his conviction, Mr. Pelletier worked for almost 20 years at a water treatment facility. He volunteered for his county HAZMAT team, assisting first responders at hazardous material spills, accidents, and natural disasters. Additionally, he has grown vegetables for a local soup kitchen and volunteered at an organization supporting wounded veterans and their families. Friends, colleagues, and those who know Mr. Pelletier describe him has honest, dependable, and committed to his country and community.
RUSSELL THOMAS PORTNER – Toutle, Washington Russell Thomas Portner is a 74-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. Mr. Portner served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged after earning several decorations, including the Bronze Star. Since his conviction, he married, raised four children, operated a successful business, and developed a reputation for charitable generosity and community service. He is currently a member of several veterans organizations. Neighbors, business associates, and friends describe him as trustworthy, loyal, and as a respected businessperson.
NATHANIEL DAVID REED III – San Antonio, Texas Nathaniel David Reed III is a 46-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent offenses at the age of 21. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years after his conviction, including many overseas deployments, and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and earned numerous good conduct awards before retiring with an honorable discharge. Mr. Reed has volunteered for numerous causes benefitting both the U.S. Air Force and the civilian community, such as training local firefighters, teaching fire prevention in various settings, and organizing fire prevention weeks. He has also served as a certified sexual assault prevention and response advocate and has used his experience in overcoming the stigma of his conviction to help mentor fellow airmen. Friends, neighbors, and former U.S. Air Force colleagues consistently describe Mr. Reed as highly motivated, reliable, patient, family-oriented, trustworthy, patriotic, dependable, upstanding, honest, hardworking, and personable.
GARY MICHAEL ROBINSON – Redmond, Oregon Gary Michael Robinson is a 70-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. Mr. Robinson is a distinguished U.S. Army veteran. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and other awards. He was honorably discharged and served as a reservist for several years. Since his conviction, he has built a successful firefighting and habitat preservation business. He volunteers in his community, gives regularly to charity, and is well-regarded by friends and associates. Mr. Robinson is described by those who know him as honest, trustworthy, and professional.
JOSE ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ – Coral Springs, Florida Jose Antonio Rodriguez is a 55-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense at the age of 26. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy and received several medals and awards for his service, including the U.S. Navy Achievement Medal. Since his conviction, Mr. Rodriguez has started a family, committed himself to higher education, and has maintained employment in the medical field. Colleagues and friends describe Mr. Rodriguez as compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated to treating patients.
PATRICE CHANTE SELLERS – Bear, Delaware Patrice Chante Sellers is a 49-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense when she was in her 20s. If Ms. Sellers had been sentenced under current law and sentencing practice, she likely would not have been prosecuted federally. Since her conviction, Ms. Sellers enrolled in school, earning multiple certifications and licenses. She gives back to her community by donating clothing and toiletries to a transitional housing program and offering encouragement to its residents. Community members describe Ms. Sellers as someone who goes above and beyond for others.
AUDREY DIANE SIMONE (AUDREY CLARK) – Prescott, Wisconsin Audrey Diane Simon is a 63-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent offense. In the years since, Ms. Simon has worked in the field of addiction recovery and earned a bachelor’s degree and a permanent counseling license. She also contributes to her community through her church where she serves as a deacon and works in the church’s prison ministry. Community members describe her as inspirational, trustworthy, positive, and caring.
JAMES RUSSELL STIDD – Groveport, Ohio James Russell Stidd is a 79-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense at the age of 20. After his conviction, he served in the U.S. Air Force until he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. He reenlisted and served another four years, including during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon being honorably discharged, Mr. Stidd worked as a contractor and as a road and park maintenance worker. He has participated in various charitable activities through his church and is a member of a disabled veterans organization. Mr. Stidd is described as a man of integrity and honor.
DIANA BAZAN VILLANUEVA – La Grange, Illinois Diana Bazan Villanueva is a 51-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense in her 20s. In the years since, Ms. Villanueva has been a dedicated mother to her children and has worked in payroll and accounts. Ms. Villanueva also regularly volunteers at school events, fundraisers, and annual autism-related charitable events. Friends and coworkers uniformly praise Ms. Villanueva and describe her as warm, reliable, and always eager to help.
LASHAWN MARRVINIA WALKER – Minneapolis, Minnesota Lashawn Marrvinia Walker is a 51-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses in her 20s. Ms. Walker received early termination of her probationary sentence for her exemplary probation record. Since then, Ms. Walker has worked in the healthcare field, is an engaged parent, and regularly assists others in her community, including during the holidays when she helps serve dinner at a retirement home. People in her community describe Ms. Walker as caring, good-hearted, and responsible. They also note her willingness to meaningfully help others.
MIREYA AIMEE WALMSLEY – La Porte, Texas Mireya Aimee Walmsley is a 57-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent offense at the age of 25. Since her conviction, she has earned an associate’s degree, a nursing license, and a bachelor’s degree. She has maintained steady employment in the healthcare field. Additionally, she has led emergency response teams during several natural disasters (including Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, and Harvey, and Tropical Storm Allison) and spearheaded vaccination efforts during the H1N1 epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic. Her contributions to public health have been recognized on numerous occasions. She has been commended for her loyalty, integrity, compassion for people of all backgrounds, and is universally described as honest and steadfast in crisis.
KIMBERLY JO WARNER – Portville, New York Kimberly Jo Warner is a 54-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Since her conviction, Ms. Warner earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and works in the healthcare field. She has volunteered at a non-profit that provides therapeutic services to veterans and first responders and serves as a mentor. She also participates in the Gold Star Wives Program and speaks at the local veterans organization meetings. Ms. Warner has been described as positive, empathetic, caring, and nurturing by those who know her.
JOHNNIE EARL WILLIAMS – Denver, Colorado Johnnie Earl Williams is a 58-year-old man who was convicted of a non-violent offense. In the years since, Mr. Williams has worked as a criminal justice specialist and addiction counselor. He gives back to his community through volunteering and serving in his church. Mr. Williams has received many awards for his charitable work, including an award that honors individuals who work with young men of color. Community members describe Mr. Williams as honest, loyal, and compassionate.
SHAWNTE DOROTHEA WILLIAMS – Columbia, South Carolina Shawnte Dorothea Williams is a 45-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense in her 20s. In the years since, Ms. Williams has been steadily employed in several fields. Ms. Williams is involved in her community, working in her church’s food pantry and serving as a greeter on Sunday mornings. Ms. Williams has been described by those who know her as a loyal and dependable community member.
LASHUNDRA TENNEAL WILSON – Arlington, Texas Lashundra Tenneal Wilson is a 49-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense she committed when she was a teenager. In the years since, Ms. Wilson pursued her education and has worked in the healthcare field. Ms. Wilson gives back to the community by volunteering at community health fairs and raising funds for non-profit health organizations. Ms. Wilson has been praised for her work ethic, trustworthiness, and dependability by community members.
LORA NICOLE WOOD – Maxwell, Nevada Lora Nicole Wood is a 39-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense when she was 19 years old. Since her release, Ms. Wood has maintained steady employment and is an engaged parent. She has spent time volunteering with animal welfare and canine therapy service organizations and has organized food drives and fundraisers. Ms. Wood has been praised her work ethic, devotion to her children, and volunteer endeavors.
JAMES EDGAR YARBROUGH – Arlington, Tennessee James Edgar Yarbrough is a 79-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent offenses. Mr. Yarbrough is a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran who earned a Purple Heart Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and over 10 other medals and awards throughout his service. He was honorably discharged after attaining the rank of Captain. Since his conviction, he worked for a shipping company for nearly 30 years. Now retired, he spends much of his time volunteering and is active in his church. Mr. Yarbrough’s business acquaintances, neighbors, church members, and friends all reflect a consistent high level of regard for Mr. Yarbrough, commenting on his impressive civic engagement, good character, and generosity.
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is commuting the sentences of the following 1,499 individuals:
