Clemency Stories: Chicagoans Who Received Pardon and Commutation

Explore the stories of Chicagoans granted clemency, highlighting their journeys and the impact of presidential pardons.

Clemency Stories: Chicagoans Who Received Pardon and Commutation
Clemency Stories: Chicagoans Who Received Pardon and Commutation

Chicago: The process for getting clemency for a federal conviction is a bit like job hunting. You start with an application, but it’s not easy to navigate.

In Illinois, especially in Chicago, it’s tough to find out how many folks have had their offenses pardoned or received early release through presidential commutation. Thankfully, the Tribune dug into its archives to shed some light on this.

One notable case is Rod Blagojevich, the former governor. He was sentenced to 14 years but had it cut down to about 8 years by President Trump in 2020. Trump thought Blagojevich’s sentence was way too harsh, even though they came from different political backgrounds.

Blagojevich was impeached in 2009 after being arrested for corruption, including trying to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat. He was convicted of lying to the FBI, but the jury couldn’t agree on other charges. After his release, he returned to Chicago and called himself a “Trumpocrat.”

Then there’s Abraham Bolden, the first Black Secret Service agent for a U.S. president. He was pardoned by President Biden in 2022 after serving time for trying to sell a Secret Service file. Bolden always claimed he was innocent and even wrote a book about it.

Dan Rostenkowski, a former congressman, was also pardoned by President Clinton in 2000 after serving time for mail fraud. He was a big player in Congress but fell from grace due to corruption charges.

And let’s not forget Iva Toguri D’Aquino, known as Tokyo Rose. She was pardoned by President Ford in 1979 after being convicted of treason during WWII. Her case was controversial, and many believed she was wrongfully convicted.

Lastly, there’s Reynolds Wintersmith, who got his sentence commuted by President Obama in 2014. He had a tough childhood and ended up in prison for life as a teenager. After his release, he turned his life around and became a high school counselor.

These stories show how clemency can change lives, and they remind us of the complexities behind the process. It’s a mix of politics, personal stories, and the hope for a second chance.

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