Biden to Commute Sentences of Tennessee Drug Dealers

The White House Wednesday announced commutations for five major drug dealers, three of whom are Tennessee residents.

Daequon Charles Davis of Johnson City was convicted of conspiracy to distribute or to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine and was serving an almost 22-year sentence with a subsequent 10 years of supervised release, which began in 2017. Biden commuted for a period of 10 years, leaving intact 10 years of supervised release.

Xavier Martez Parnell of Clarksville was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 500 grams or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base. He was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison beginning in 2012 but will now only serve 17.5 years. He will be required to complete 10 years of supervised release when he is released.

Leshay Nicole Rhoton of Bristol was supposed to serve 20 years for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Her sentence, which began in 2013, has been reduced to 12.5 years, with 10 years of supervised release to follow.

The official White House release regarding the commutations did not include a comment from Biden, but he took to X to explain his decision.

“Today, I am using my clemency power to pardon 11 individuals and commute the sentences of 5 individuals who were convicted of non-violent drug offenses. These recipients have shown that they deserve forgiveness and the chance at building a brighter future beyond prison walls,” he said.

America was founded on the promise of second chances.

My commitment to rehabilitation and successful reentry for those returning to their communities after incarceration is ironclad. I'm focused on building a justice system that ensures everyone is treated equally under the law.

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 24, 2024

“America was founded on the promise of second chances,” he said. “My commitment to rehabilitation and successful reentry for those returning to their communities after incarceration is ironclad. I’m focused on building a justice system that ensures everyone is treated equally under the law.”

Biden said there are more commutations to come.

“While today’s announcement marks important and continued progress, my Administration will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver reforms in a manner that advances equal justice, supports rehabilitation and reentry, and provides meaningful second chances,” he said in a third post.

Last December, Biden granted clemency to 11 drug offenders who he said were “serving disproportionately long sentences for non-violent drug offenses.”

In 2023, 77 percent of Americans reported that they believe crime is rising in the United States.

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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter/X.