A mix of white-collar criminals and people whose cases were championed by criminal justice activists have been pardoned by Donald Trump.
First on the list was Todd Boulanger, who pleaded guilty to bribing government officials in January 2009.
“Mr Boulanger is known as a model member of his community. In addition, he is remorseful for his actions and would like to leave his mistakes behind him,” the White House said.
Death Row Records founder Michael “Harry O” Harris had his prison sentence for attempted murder and cocaine trafficking commuted.
The White House said Mr Harris would have "a meaningful place of employment and housing with the support of his family” upon his release. Snoop Dogg had reportedly lobbied the White House on behalf of Harris, despite the rapper being a fierce critic of the President.
Rapper Lil Wayne (real name Dwayne Carter) also made the cut. Lil Wayne, who supported Mr Trump for re-election, pleaded guilty last year to illegally possessing a gold-plated handgun while travelling to Florida in a private jet in 2019, which was not allowed due to a prior felony conviction. His bag also contained cocaine, ecstasy and oxycodone.
The White House said Brett Berish, CEO of drinks company Sovereign Brands, described Lil Wayne "trustworthy, kind-hearted and generous" and said he had "exhibited this generosity through commitment to a variety of charities, including donations to research hospitals and a host of foodbanks."
Trump pardons Kodak Black:
— Carly Ortiz-Lytle (@intlcarly) January 20, 2021
"This commutation is supported by numerous religious leaders, including Pastor Darrell Scott and Rabbi Schneur Kaplan.
Additional supporters include Bernie Kerik, Hunter Pollack, Gucci Mane, Lil Pump, Lil Yachty, Lamar Jackson" pic.twitter.com/RhEK8Qg7Zp
Rapper Kodak Black, real name Bill Kapri, was also granted a commutation of his 46-month prison sentence for making a false statement on a Federal document. He had served nearly half of it.
“Before his conviction and after reaching success as a recording artist, Kodak Black became deeply involved in numerous philanthropic efforts,” the White House said.
Elliott Broidy, former Deputy National Finance Chair of the Republican National Committee, was granted a full pardon. Broidy was convicted on one count of conspiracy to serve as an unregistered agent of a foreign principal.
“Broidy is well known for his numerous philanthropic efforts, including on behalf of law enforcement, the military and veterans programs, and the Jewish community,” the White House said.
Anthony Levandowski, an ex-Google engineer who pleaded guilty to stealing self-driving car technology when he defected to Uber, was also pardoned. The White House said he had "paid a significant price for his actions and plans to devote his talents to advance the public good", noting that his sentencing judge had called him a "brilliant, groundbreaking engineer that our country needs".
