Trump Pardons Man Line Man's 1984 Drug Conviction

ARDMORE, PA — An Ardmore man was one of more than 140 people to receive pardons or have sentences commuted as former President Donald Trump exited the White House Wednesday.

That man is Gary Evan Hendler.

Handler was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances in 1984.

The 67-year-old Ardmore man served three years of probation on those charges, according to the White House announcement on the last minute pardons and commuted sentences.

According to Action News, Hendler said learning of his pardon was like winning the lottery.

"I went down the list and all of a sudden I saw my name and I absolutely couldn't believe it," he told the outlet. "I had to look at it three of four times to make sure I still wasn't sleeping."

Hendler did not ask for the pardon, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The White House said Hendler has led a life of giving back since then, organizing and leading AA meeting and providing mentorship through radio broadcasts, called the Clean and Sober Radio show on WWDB and Gov. Tom Wolf recently appointed Hendler to serve

"He is remorseful and has taken full responsibility for his criminal actions," according to the announcement. "In the 40 years since his conviction, Mr. Hendler has lived a law-abiding life and has positively contributed to his community. He is financially stable and owns a successful real estate business. Most notably, he has helped others recover from addiction."

The White House said Hendler's former probation officer noted that he had become "integral" in the lives of many members of the community who were dealing with substance abuse issues.

Additionally, Hendler has been recognized by Gov. Tom Wolf and was appointed to the state's Advisory Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse.