President Biden pardons 3 people from MN, 2 from WI
President Joe Biden speaks in Wisconsin earlier in 2024.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - President Joe Biden on Thursday commuted 1,500 sentences and pardoned 39 people, setting a single-day record. His actions included the pardoning of three people from Minnesota and two people from Wisconsin.
Biden pardons 3 people from Minnesota
READ MORE: President Joe Biden's pardons: List
What we know: President Biden pardoned three people from Minnesota. They are Kelsie Lynn Becklin from Falon Heights, Sarah Carlson from Coon Rapids and Lashawn Walker from Minneapolis.
Becklin, 38, pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense at the age of 21. After successfully serving her sentence, Ms. Becklin has furthered her education and recently completed a Ph.D. program. In addition to her graduate program research and academic writing, Ms. Becklin mentors previously incarcerated individuals who also seek to pursue higher education. She is also an active volunteer in her community. Friends and professors attest to her work ethic, dedication, and genuine care for others.
Carlson, 49, pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. She received early termination of her probationary sentence. Since then, she has furthered her education and worked in addiction counseling at a faith-based rehabilitation center. Ms. Carlson also volunteers in her local community and at her church. Community members emphasize that Ms. Carlson goes above and beyond to help as many people in crisis as possible.
Walker, 51, pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses in her 20s. Ms. Walker received early termination of her probationary sentence for her exemplary probation record. Since then, Ms. Walker has worked in the healthcare field, is an engaged parent, and regularly assists others in her community, including during the holidays when she helps serve dinner at a retirement home. People in her community described Ms. Walker as caring, good-hearted, and responsible. They also note her willingness to meaningfully help others.
Biden pardons 2 people from Wisconsin
What we know: Biden pardoned two people from Wisconsin on Thursday. They were Audrey Simon from Prescott and Jerry Manning from Sun Prairie.
Simon, 63, was convicted of a non-violent offense. In the years since, Ms. Simon has worked in the field of addiction recovery and earned a bachelor’s degree and a permanent counseling license. She also contributes to her community through her church where she serves as a deacon and works in the church’s prison ministry. Community members describe her as inspirational, trustworthy, positive, and caring.
Manning, 70, was convicted of non-violent offenses. Mr. Manning received early termination of his probationary sentence and has since advanced his education and career in aviation. He is active in his community, coaching soccer, attending church, and serving as a bible study teacher. Mr. Manning is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in service, he was awarded a medal during Operation Desert Storm, and was honorably discharged. Friends and colleagues attest to his character, describing him as a good, honest man and a great leader.