Trump grants more than 140 pardons and commutations before leaving the White House 3:23
(CNN Spanish) -
In his last hours in office, the president of the United States, Donald Trump, pardoned 73 people and commuted the sentences of another 70.
As is to be expected with an outgoing president, Trump granted pardons and commutations to people serving long sentences for misdemeanors and people whose cases have been promoted by advocates of the country's criminal justice reform.
However, some high-level figures received pardons on Wednesday, including one of the most controversial: a total pardon for his controversial former strategist Steve Bannon.
Steve Bannon
(Photo: Stephanie Keith / Getty Images)
President Trump granted a full pardon to Steve Bannon.
The White House statement announcing the recent pardons reads: “Prosecutors indicted Mr. Bannon on charges related to fraud stemming from his involvement in a political project.
Mr. Bannon has been an important leader in the Conservative movement and is known for his political acumen.
The loyal former strategist who helped Trump win the presidency in 2016 has pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding donors in the "We Build the Wall" online fundraising campaign.
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Trump debated until the last minute whether to grant Bannon a clemency.
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'Lil Wayne'
(Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)
Trump also granted a full pardon to Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known as "Lil Wayne."
The rapper pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, due to a conviction more than 10 years ago.
According to the White House statement, "Brett Berish of Sovereign Brands, who supports Carter's pardon, describes him as 'trustworthy, caring and generous.'
Mr. Carter has demonstrated this generosity through his commitment to a variety of charities, including donations to research hospitals and a large number of food banks.
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Paul erickson
Also obtained a full pardon was Paul Erikson, a conservative political operator and ex-boyfriend of suspected Russian spy Maria Butina, who has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges.
“After finding no grounds to charge him with any crime with regard to connections with Russia, he was charged with a minor financial crime.
Although the Department of Justice sought a lesser sentence, Mr. Erickson was sentenced to seven years in prison, almost double the maximum sentence recommended by the Department of Justice, "says the press release statement on Wednesday.
"This forgiveness helps correct the errors of what has been revealed as perhaps the greatest witch hunt in the history of the United States," the statement concludes on Erickson.
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Kwame Kilpatrick
(Photo: Bill Pugliano / Getty Images)
President Trump commuted the sentence of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Malik Kilpatrick.
Kilpatrick had served approximately 7 years in prison for his role in an organized crime and bribery scheme while in public office.
During his incarceration, he taught public speaking classes and led Bible study groups with fellow inmates, according to the statement.
“This commutation is strongly supported by prominent members of the Detroit community, Alveda King, Alice Johnson, Diamond and Silk, Pastor Paula White, Peter Karmanos, Michigan Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, Michigan Rep. Karen Whitsett, and more. out of 30 religious leaders, "said the White House.
Elliott broidy
Trump granted a full pardon to Elliott Broidy, former vice chairman of national finance for the Republican National Committee.
The former front-line fundraiser in the Trump campaign has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy related to a secret lobbying campaign to influence the Trump administration on behalf of a foreign billionaire in exchange for millions of dollars.
According to the statement, “This pardon is endorsed by Representative Devin Nunes, Representative Ken Calvert, Representative Jack Bergman, Representative George Holding, Ambassador Ric Grenell, Bernie Marcus, Malcolm Hoenlein, Eric Branstad, Tom Hicks, Saul Fox, Lee Samson, Rabbi Steven Leder, Dr. Alveda King, Father Frank Pavone, Major General Clayton Hutmacher, Lieutenant General Bennet Sacolick, Bruce Brereton, Rabbi Steven Burg, Rabbi Pini Dunner, Rabbi Meyer May and Rabbi Mordechai Suchard. "
And he concludes: "Mr. Broidy is well known for his many philanthropic efforts, including on behalf of law enforcement, military and veterans programs, and the Jewish community."
LOOK
: Trump grants more than 140 pardons and commutations of sentences before leaving the White House
And one more commutation of sentence: Blanca Virgen
Trump commuted the sentence of Blanca Virgen, who has served 12 years of a 30-year sentence.
Instead of accepting a 10-year plea offer, Virgen exercised her constitutional right to a trial and received triple the time the government offered her if she pleaded guilty, the White House said in its statement.
He has received countless awards for the achievements of his educational programming in prison.
Upon her release, Blanca Virgen will return home to Mexico to care for her four children, according to the White House.
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