President Biden pardons Columbia man with federal drug conviction (2024)

COLUMBIA— President Joe Biden pardoned a 54-year-old Columbia man, clearing a decades-old federal drug case from his criminal record.

On April 24, the White House announced the president had granted clemency to 16 people who were convicted of nonviolent drug offenses. Many of those who received pardons had been convicted decades ago when some drug offenses carried stricter sentences.

Ricky Donnell Tyler of Columbia was one of 11 people pardoned by the president. Five others had their sentences commuted.

Tyler was convicted of nonviolent drug offenses when he was 26. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Tyler was sentenced in September 1996 to nearly 13 years for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. He was released from the Federal Bureau of Prisons in June 2007.

Since his release, he has earned a Class A driver's license and worked as a truck driver, according to the news release from the White House. In 2015, he started his own business.

"He is dedicated to his family and mentors young people so that they might learn from his mistakes," the news release said. "His family and friends uniformly attest to his dedication to his work, family, and youth in his community."

Tyler could not be reached for comment.

Others who received pardons are:

• Jason Hernandez, 47, of McKinney, Texas. He had been convicted of several nonviolent drug offenses when he was still a juvenile. If he had been sentenced under today's laws, he would have received a significantly lower sentence. President Barack Obama commuted his sentence in 2013, and he was granted early termination of his supervised release in 2021 in recognition of his “exceptional” post-release conduct, according to the White House. He now runs a nonprofit that transformed the store where he used to sell drugs out front into a market that provides affordable food, according to the White House.

• Beverly Holcy (Beverly Canty), 59, of Palatka, Fla. She pleaded guilty to a nonviolent drug offense committed when she was 27. If she had been sentenced under today's laws, she would have received a significantly lower sentence. Since her release, she has been fully employed, volunteers at her church and assists in various community activities, according to the White House.

• Jeffrey Alan Lewis, 58, of Douglasville, Ga. He pleaded guilty to a nonviolent drug offense when he was 40. If he had been sentenced under today's laws, he would have received a significantly shorter sentence. Since his release, he has been consistently employed, contributes to the community through charitable works and active community engagement, and he has built a reputation as "a family man," according to the White House.

• Bobby Darrell Lowery, 50, of Jackson, Miss. He was convicted of a nonviolent drug offense when he was 25. Since his release, he has maintained steady employment and actively volunteers at his church and at various community-based organizations, according to the White House.

• Jesse Mosley, 42, of Ponchatoula, La. He pleaded guilty to nonviolent drug offenses when he was 19. If sentenced under today's laws, he would have received a significantly lower sentence. Since his release, he started a business, manages rental properties and works as a realtor, according to the White House. He also regularly donates to school and local police fundraising events as well as provides groceries to those in need, according to the White House.

• Katrina Polk, 54, of Washington, D.C. She pleaded guilty to a nonviolent drug offense when she was 18. Since her release, she has furthered her education, including earning a PhD in public policy and administration, according to the White House. She has also engaged in extensive community service, locally and nationally, and is a respected advocate for the elderly, according to the White House.

• Glenn Ray Royal, 49 of San Antonio, Texas. He pleaded guilty to a nonviolent drug offense committed when he was 20. If he had been sentenced under today's laws, he would have received a shorter sentence. Since his release, he has earned two degrees and has steadily worked in the information technology field, according to the White House. He also serves as a mentor and coach for college students, assisting them with developing business plans, marketing plans and websites, according to the White House.

• Alexis Sutton, 33, of New Haven, Conn. She pleaded guilty to a nonviolent drug offense. She received early termination of her probationary sentence. Since then, she has taken classes in hopes of earning her nursing degree and ultimately becoming a registered nurse, according to the White House. She is also an active participant in her church.

• Stacy Lynn Wilder, 49, of Albany, N.Y. She pleaded guilty to a nonviolent drug offense. If she had been sentenced under today's laws, she would have received a significantly lower sentence. Since her release, she has worked as a payroll examiner and in related roles in state government, earning promotions and positive feedback from her supervisors, according to the White House. She contributes money and goods to organizations that support the unhoused, animals and veterans, according to the White House.

• Pilar Alejandra Yelicie-Rodriguez, 48, of Fairfax, Va. She pleaded guilty to a nonviolent drug offense. Since her release, she has maintained steady work and has dedicated her time to her family and volunteered at her church, according to the White House.