President Joe Biden has granted clemency to a man from McKinney, Texas, as part of a group of 16 individuals pardoned for non-violent drug offenses. Among them, 11 people received pardons, while 5 had their sentences commuted.
Jason Hernandez, aged 47, was handed a life sentence plus 320 years for a first-time non-violent drug offense at the age of 21. His sentence was commuted by President Obama in 2013, after which Hernandez dedicated himself to rectifying past injustices.
Recognizing Hernandez’s exemplary conduct post-release, he was granted early termination of supervised release in 2021.
President Biden’s decision to grant clemency comes during Second Chance Month, emphasizing that many individuals received disproportionately lengthy sentences compared to current laws.
This pardon restores Hernandez’s rights, allowing him to vote, travel, and seek employment opportunities. Presently, he manages a nonprofit organization that transformed his former drug-selling store into a market providing affordable, high-quality food. Known as La Tiendita, meaning “The Little Store,” the establishment located at Greenville and Murray Streets channels its proceeds back into sustaining its operations and filling shelves.
The White House highlighted Hernandez’s transformation and contributions to the community, as acknowledged by local officials, colleagues, and residents. Alongside Texas, individuals granted clemency hail from various states including Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Connecticut, South Carolina, Virginia, New York, and Washington, D.C.