Video above: President Biden makes a campaign stop in Tampa on April 23, 2024.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — President Joe Biden granted clemency to 16 people who were convicted for non-violent drug offenses, the White House announced on Wednesday.
Among the 16 individuals, 11 were pardoned and five were given commuted sentences. Two Floridians were among the 16— a woman who was pardoned and a man given a commuted sentence.
Beverly Holcy, 59, of Palatka, pleaded guilty at age 27 to non-violent drug offenses. Holcy served her sentence and completed her probation obligations. Now, she is fully employed, volunteers at her church, and helps with activities in her community.
Jophaney Hyppolite, of Miami, was sentenced to life, then given 10 years of supervised release in January 2023, for conspiring to manufacture and distribute more than 280 grams of cocaine base. President Biden commuted Hyppolite's sentence to 360 months, leaving the 10-year supervised release.
Many of the remaining 10 individuals pardoned had non-violent drug charges when they were juveniles or young adults, and have spent decades behind bars. If they had been convicted under current law, their sentences would have been significantly shorter.
Those individuals who received a commuted sentence each got a significant reduction in time in prison, but must still abide by their respective years of supervised release. All of their offenses involved the intent to distribute cocaine base or crack cocaine.
The White House added what each individual has accomplished following their pardon, including becoming a registered nurse, giving back to their communities, and starting their own business.