Latest news with #AliceJohnson
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
After Trump pardon, ex-boxer Charles Duke Tanner uses his second chance for criminal justice reform
'They gave me my whole life back,' Tanner told theGrio after President Trump's pardon czar Alice Johnson told him the life-altering news. When former professional boxer Charles Duke Tanner learned that President Donald Trump had issued him a pardon on May 28, he was completely shocked. 'Like in the boxing world, it was a punch that I didn't see, and you know, those are the ones that knock you out,' Tanner told theGrio days after the life-altering clemency. Tanner was convicted and sentenced to life in 2004 for a first-time drug offense. He'd been part of a drug trafficking ring and was caught by police after accepting 15 kilograms of fake cocaine that was part of a drug string. Despite having a perfect boxing record and great athletic promise, Tanner says his choices were made from a place of financial hardship after he'd gotten laid off from a boxing injury. That harsh life sentence he received reflected a larger imbalance in the War on Drugs, which frequently gave out extreme sentences to Black people in the drug game. After surviving the reality of prison life, Tanner received the news of his pardon from Alice Johnson, Trump's White House pardon czar. However, this wasn't their first time meeting: Johnson played an integral role in an earlier commutation he received from Trump in 2020. While the past commutation brought his sentence length down and let him go free from prison, this recent pardon from Trump has given him a completely fresh start. 'They gave me my whole life back,' said Tanner of Trump and Johnson. That includes being reunited with his 22-year-old son, Charles Tanner Jr. The pardon allows Tanner to better integrate into society as a law-abiding citizen and overcome financial and housing barriers that formerly incarcerated individuals often encounter due to their criminal record. Despite roadblocks, in the years since Tanner was released from prison in 2020, the former boxer has dedicated his life to service and ensuring that other Black men and women don't end up like he did 20 years ago. From his hometown of Gary, Indiana, to Las Vegas and Washington, D.C., Tanner has traveled across the country advocating for criminal justice reform and housing development in Black and disadvantaged communities. Tanner now works in investor relations at Impact Growth Capital, a social impact investment firm, and is working directly with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, to improve the housing and economic conditions for Black neighborhoods. That includes financial literacy and educational opportunities. 'Part of my rehabilitation on the inside was that I had to learn where I really came from…we really didn't have opportunities like most people do, and it's because we're caught up in a system that's holding us back,' explained Tanner, who released the book, 'Duke Got Life: A Boxer's Fight for Freedom and One Last Shot at Redemption,' last year. 'We can go to these neighborhoods and we can rebuild them… But if we go in and help rehabilitate the people, then we rehabilitate the neighborhood and the structure of the neighborhood. 'We need to do something to stop people from going [to prison] and by doing that, we have to attack housing, we have to attack education. We have to attack jobs, as well as the mental health, which is one of the main things that people who look like me didn't use to want to accept,' said Tanner. 'When we are challenging these things and come together…that's what's going to make this world great. And I believe that this administration is starting off on that path.' Tanner was one of a handful pardoned for a non-violent drug offense among the more than a dozen who received presidential pardons from Trump last week. Most were convicted of white-collar crimes like tax evasion and business fraud. Tanner told theGrio he would like to see Trump issue more pardons and commutations for first-time drug offenders like him, particularly in Black communities. 'The president needs to do more clemency and commute people's sentences to come home,' urged Tanner, who said he is personally helping potential clemency recipients by coordinating background checks. 'I'm writing [to them in] the prison and having them write me back to send me their progress report so I can see what they've been doing on the inside before I reach out to these advocates to promote [them],' he said. Tanner is also joining advocates in bringing more attention to the issue of supervised release and the need for reform. Individuals released from prison are often under the supervision of the government and are restricted in terms of who they can socialize with, where they can travel, and even where they live or work. Tanner recalled his own family being impacted by the strain of supervised release, in which his formerly incarcerated brother was unable to join him and their other siblings to honor their mother, who died in 2016, and release some of her ashes. 'His probation officer denied the visit and wouldn't allow me to be around him because I was on supervised release. During that time, I had been home for three years, never had a problem with the law, never had a dirty urine. Always continue to have a job and pay my taxes,' he recalled. 'It was one of the most heart-aching things,' said Tanner. 'I was doing all these things to help other people, help things, and they wouldn't even allow me to see my family.' He said he was comforted at the time by Johnson, Trump's now-pardon czar, whom he described as having a close personal relationship with. Johnson has faced pointed critiques by some analysts who say is in a tough position of doing meaningful work, under a controversial president. 'She is ordained to do this [work], and the prison prepared her to do what God ordained her to do, and we must give honor to her,' said Tanner. The newly pardoned advocate said he supports the Bipartisan Safer Supervision Act, backed by REFORM Alliance, which would make several reforms to the supervised release system. It would require courts to conduct individualized assessments for when supervision is necessary, incentivize early termination for supervision, and provide other rehabilitation options, rather than prison time, for those on supervised release who are found in possession of illicit substances. Had President Trump not pardoned him, Tanner said he would still be under supervised release for another five years. 'I came home from outside the prison [in 2020], but I've not been free,' he emphasized. 'That's a major thing, and people need to understand that.' More must-reads: Joy Reid warns Black community not to be fooled by Trump's recent pardons Trump provides coy response when asked if he would pardon Diddy Ketanji Brown Jackson gives stark warning after SCOTUS allows Trump to end migrant parole program
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Todd and Julie Chrisley's son doesn't look the same as he runs errands with a mystery woman... after his parents' prison release
Grayson Chrisley kept is casual as he and a female friend made a Target run on Thursday in Nashville. The 19-year-old was one of several family members gathered at sister Savannah's home to welcomed their parents Todd and Julie who were released from prison after being pardoned by President Donald Trump. The University of Alabama Student wore a white billed cap over his dark blonde mullet, which is gaining popularity among some male college students in the south. A closer look at the hat revealed it was a MAGA hat, which Grayson has been seen wearing before and after his parents' pardon. The former reality star wore a watermelon toned T-shirt over a pair of black shorts and white sneakers. He accessorized with a gold chain and a dog tag necklace. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. His female companion looked adorable in a white tennis dress with a black collar, and white sneakers. Upon learning of his parents' release Grayson took so social media on Thursday writing an effusive thank you to Trump. 'I can't even find the right words….. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU President Trump for restoring my family and bringing my parents home. Thank you God, Thank you Savannah, Thank you Mrs Alice Johnson, thank you again President Trump 45/47.' he wrote. Alice Johnson is a criminal justice reform advocate who was released from a life-sentence in prison with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union and the advocacy of Kim Kardashian. His sister, Savannah, 27, had campaigned for Trump during the 2024 presidential election and cozied up to members of the Trump family. She appeared on Lara Trump's podcast The Right View alerting her 156,000 followers to each episode in which she participated. Todd and Julie Christie were convicted of 12 federal crimes, including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States linked to some $30 million in fraudulent bank loans over a decade to fund their lavish lifestyle. Todd, 56, was originally sentenced to 12 year behind bars, and Julie, 52, to seven. Both received reductions in their sentences in September 2023 due to good behavior. A closer look at the hat revealed it was a MAGA hat. The teen has been wearing hats supporting President Donald Trump before and after the pardon of Todd and Julie Chrisley While they were behind bars, Savannah had custody of Grayson, and her sister Chloe, 12. In the weeks leading up to his parents' release, Grayson shared a photo of himself, Savannah and another woman golfing at Mar-a-Lago. Another snap featured him and a couple of friends wearing red MAGA hats while enjoying a beach vacation. Savannah continued showing her support, wearing a red MAGA hat when she picked up her dad from the federal prison in Pensacola, FL where he had been serving time.
CNN
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Todd and Julie Chrisley can thank their daughter Savannah Chrisley and advocate Alice Johnson for their pardons
President Donald Trump may have pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, but there were two other people who were instrumental in making it happen. The reality show couple, who were convicted in 2022 of defraud and tax crimes, learned on Tuesday that they would be receiving full pardons from the president. It happened after months of advocacy by their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, and Alice Johnson, a first-time nonviolent drug offender whose life sentence was commuted by Trump in 2018 after Kim Kardashian took up her clemency mission. For years, the younger Chrisley has been using social media and her 'Unlocked' podcast to keep her parents' case in the headlines, expressing concern about the living conditions where they were each incarcerated. During Thanksgiving 2023 Savannah Chrisley shared a video in which she explained that while she had not been planning for a holiday, that changed. 'I am freaking out! As you know, we are spending Thanksgiving a little different this year, because I wasn't going to fake it. I wasn't going to do the traditional Thanksgiving we're always used to,' she said emotionally as the gospel song 'Goodness of God' by CeCe Winans played. 'But I got a call this morning and the appeals court has granted our oral arguments. So, I literally was sobbing.' At the time, Todd Chrisley had been serving a 12-year sentence at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in Pensacola, Florida, while Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years and was sent to the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Lexington in Lexington, Kentucky. Though their appeal was not successful, their daughter didn't stop pushing for their release. A vocal supporter of Trump on her social platforms, Chrisley said she requested a pardon for her parents from the president earlier this year and rallied support during an appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February. She's had some assistance in her cause by Johnson. On Tuesday, Johnson, whom Trump has referred to as his 'pardon czar,' was in the Oval Office when he called Savannah Chrisley to let her know he was pardoning her parents. Their conversation was shared on social media by Trump adviser Margo Martin. Johnson was shown clapping softly as Trump spoke with Chrisley. 'It's a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean, and hopefully we can do it by tomorrow,' Trump said. 'Give them my regards and wish them well. Wish them a good life.' Todd and Julie Chrisley have been married since 1996. Their USA Network reality series, 'Chrisley Knows Best,' debuted in 2014 and revolved around their family life as wealthy entrepreneurs with homes in both Georgia and Tennessee. They were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans and convicted of several tax crimes, including attempting to defraud the Internal Revenue Service. The Chrisleys have maintained their innocence throughout. Their daughter has said she'll continue to advocate for judicial reform. 'Even after my parents come home,' Chrisley said on her podcast, 'I will continue to fight for justice for those who can't fight for themselves.'
CNN
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Todd and Julie Chrisley can thank their daughter Savannah Chrisley and advocate Alice Johnson for their pardons
President Donald Trump may have pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, but there were two other people who were instrumental in making it happen. The reality show couple, who were convicted in 2022 of defraud and tax crimes, learned on Tuesday that they would be receiving full pardons from the president. It happened after months of advocacy by their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, and Alice Johnson, a first-time nonviolent drug offender whose life sentence was commuted by Trump in 2018 after Kim Kardashian took up her clemency mission. For years, the younger Chrisley has been using social media and her 'Unlocked' podcast to keep her parents' case in the headlines, expressing concern about the living conditions where they were each incarcerated. During Thanksgiving 2023 Savannah Chrisley shared a video in which she explained that while she had not been planning for a holiday, that changed. 'I am freaking out! As you know, we are spending Thanksgiving a little different this year, because I wasn't going to fake it. I wasn't going to do the traditional Thanksgiving we're always used to,' she said emotionally as the gospel song 'Goodness of God' by CeCe Winans played. 'But I got a call this morning and the appeals court has granted our oral arguments. So, I literally was sobbing.' At the time, Todd Chrisley had been serving a 12-year sentence at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in Pensacola, Florida, while Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years and was sent to the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Lexington in Lexington, Kentucky. Though their appeal was not successful, their daughter didn't stop pushing for their release. A vocal supporter of Trump on her social platforms, Chrisley said she requested a pardon for her parents from the president earlier this year and rallied support during an appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February. She's had some assistance in her cause by Johnson. On Tuesday, Johnson, whom Trump has referred to as his 'pardon czar,' was in the Oval Office when he called Savannah Chrisley to let her know he was pardoning her parents. Their conversation was shared on social media by Trump adviser Margo Martin. Johnson was shown clapping softly as Trump spoke with Chrisley. 'It's a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean, and hopefully we can do it by tomorrow,' Trump said. 'Give them my regards and wish them well. Wish them a good life.' Todd and Julie Chrisley have been married since 1996. Their USA Network reality series, 'Chrisley Knows Best,' debuted in 2014 and revolved around their family life as wealthy entrepreneurs with homes in both Georgia and Tennessee. They were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans and convicted of several tax crimes, including attempting to defraud the Internal Revenue Service. The Chrisleys have maintained their innocence throughout. Their daughter has said she'll continue to advocate for judicial reform. 'Even after my parents come home,' Chrisley said on her podcast, 'I will continue to fight for justice for those who can't fight for themselves.'
CNN
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Todd and Julie Chrisley can thank their daughter Savannah Chrisley and advocate Alice Johnson for their pardons
President Donald Trump may have pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, but there were two other people who were instrumental in making it happen. The reality show couple, who were convicted in 2022 of defraud and tax crimes, learned on Tuesday that they would be receiving full pardons from the president. It happened after months of advocacy by their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, and Alice Johnson, a first-time nonviolent drug offender whose life sentence was commuted by Trump in 2018 after Kim Kardashian took up her clemency mission. For years, the younger Chrisley has been using social media and her 'Unlocked' podcast to keep her parents' case in the headlines, expressing concern about the living conditions where they were each incarcerated. During Thanksgiving 2023 Savannah Chrisley shared a video in which she explained that while she had not been planning for a holiday, that changed. 'I am freaking out! As you know, we are spending Thanksgiving a little different this year, because I wasn't going to fake it. I wasn't going to do the traditional Thanksgiving we're always used to,' she said emotionally as the gospel song 'Goodness of God' by CeCe Winans played. 'But I got a call this morning and the appeals court has granted our oral arguments. So, I literally was sobbing.' At the time, Todd Chrisley had been serving a 12-year sentence at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in Pensacola, Florida, while Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years and was sent to the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Lexington in Lexington, Kentucky. Though their appeal was not successful, their daughter didn't stop pushing for their release. A vocal supporter of Trump on her social platforms, Chrisley said she requested a pardon for her parents from the president earlier this year and rallied support during an appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February. She's had some assistance in her cause by Johnson. On Tuesday, Johnson, whom Trump has referred to as his 'pardon czar,' was in the Oval Office when he called Savannah Chrisley to let her know he was pardoning her parents. Their conversation was shared on social media by Trump adviser Margo Martin. Johnson was shown clapping softly as Trump spoke with Chrisley. 'It's a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean, and hopefully we can do it by tomorrow,' Trump said. 'Give them my regards and wish them well. Wish them a good life.' Todd and Julie Chrisley have been married since 1996. Their USA Network reality series, 'Chrisley Knows Best,' debuted in 2014 and revolved around their family life as wealthy entrepreneurs with homes in both Georgia and Tennessee. They were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans and convicted of several tax crimes, including attempting to defraud the Internal Revenue Service. The Chrisleys have maintained their innocence throughout. Their daughter has said she'll continue to advocate for judicial reform. 'Even after my parents come home,' Chrisley said on her podcast, 'I will continue to fight for justice for those who can't fight for themselves.'
