Prisoner with chula vista ties among biden's sentence commutations

President Joe Biden Tuesday exercised his clemency powers for the first time in his administration, issuing three pardons and 75 commutations nationally — including one sentence commutation

to a prisoner with ties to the San Diego area. “Today, I am pardoning three people who have demonstrated their commitment to rehabilitation and are striving every day to give back and

contribute to their communities,” Biden said in a statement. “I am also commuting the sentences of 75 people who are serving long sentences for non- violent drug offenses … many of whom

would have received a lower sentence if they were charged with the same offense today, thanks to the bipartisan First Step Act.” One of Biden’s commutations went to Ruben Lopez Cazares of

Chula Vista, who was sentenced in federal court in the District of Nebraska on a charge of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. He was originally sentenced June 7, 2007, to 300

months and a five-year term of supervised release. The sentenced was amended on Jan. 12, 2016, to 262 months of imprisonment and a five-year term of supervised release. Biden’s commutation

will allow the sentence to expire on April 26, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, and leave intact the five-year term of supervised release. “America is a nation of

laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation,” Biden said. “Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree

that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and stronger communities. “During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the

Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans.” The president also announced new steps to support prisoners reentering society after

stretches in prison. They include a new collaboration between the departments of Justice and Labor to provide job training; new grants for workforce development programs; greater

opportunities to serve in federal government; expanded access to capital for people with convictions trying to start small businesses; improved reentry services for veterans; and more

support for health care, housing and educational opportunities. Biden’s action was lauded by the American Civil Liberties Union. “The ACLU applauds President Biden’s grant of 75 commutations

and three pardons, many of whom fit the categories called for by the ACLU in the Redemption Campaign, a nationwide effort to liberate 50,000 people from federal and state prisons,” Cynthia

Roseberry, deputy director of the ACLU’s Justice Division, said in a statement. “America incarcerates more than 20 percent of the world’s prison population despite comprising only 5 percent

of the global population, with Black people 10 times more likely to be incarcerated for drug offenses than anyone else,” she continued. “At a cost of $80 billion annually, the carceral

system is a behemoth albatross for justice and equality. The grant of clemency plus the initiatives announced as wrap around services is essential to returning people to their communities

and to their families.” _— City News Service_