New Haven Woman Receives Pardon From President Biden

NEW HAVEN, CT — A New Haven woman was among 11 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses pardoned Wednesday by President Joe Biden.

According to a news release provided by the White House, Biden is "using his authority under the Constitution to advance equal justice under law by granting clemency to 16 deserving individuals who were convicted of non-violent drug offenses."

Alexis Sutton, a 33-year-old New Haven woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense, was one of the 11 people pardoned by Biden.

The release notes Sutton received early termination of her probationary sentence and has since taken classes in hopes of earning a nursing degree and becoming a registered nurse. She is also an active participant in her church.

"Colleagues, friends, and neighbors describe [Sutton] as resilient, reliable, caring, hard-working and a role model," the release reads, "and they note her devotion to her family and her studies."

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Residents of New York, Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Washington, D.C. also received pardons Wednesday.

Additionally, Biden commuted the sentences of three Tennessee residents, as well as two residents of Florida and New York respectively, on Wednesday.

The President also released the following statement regarding these clemency actions:

"America is a Nation founded on the promise of second chances. During Second Chance Month, we reaffirm our commitment to rehabilitation and reentry for people returning to their communities post incarceration. We also recommit to building a criminal justice system that lives up to those ideals and ensures that everyone receives equal justice under law. That is why today I am announcing steps I am taking to make this promise a reality.

"I am using my clemency power to pardon 11 individuals and commute the sentences of 5 individuals who were convicted of non-violent drug offenses. Many of these individuals received disproportionately longer sentences than they would have under current law, policy, and practice. The pardon recipients have demonstrated their commitment to improving their lives and positively transforming their communities. The commutation recipients have shown that they are deserving of forgiveness and the chance at building a brighter future for themselves beyond prison walls.

"Like my other clemency actions, these pardons and commutations reflect my overarching commitment to addressing racial disparities and improving public safety. While today’s announcement marks important and continued progress, my Administration will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver reforms in a manner that advances equal justice, supports rehabilitation and reentry, and provides meaningful second chances."