Two people from Augusta are among 78 people President Joe Biden deemed worthy of clemency Tuesday.
Rickey Wayne Norton, 60, and Shannon Ann Norton, 49, were sentenced in U.S. District Court in Augusta in 2017 to 10 years in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. They were each also fined $40,000 and ordered to serve an additional three years on supervised release.
Biden committed their sentences to expire on April 26, 2023, about two years shorter than the time they would have spent in federal prisons, according to the federal Bureau of Prisons. Both are held in federal facilities in Atlanta.
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With his announcement of clemency, the president released the following statement:
“America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption and rehabilitation. 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.
“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. I am also commuting the sentences of 75 people who are serving long sentences for non-violent drug offenses, many of whom have been serving on home confinement during the COVID-pandemic—and 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.
“My Administration is also announcing new steps today to support those re-entering society after incarceration. These actions include: a new collaboration between the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of 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 a small business; improved reentry services for veterans; and more support for health care, housing, and educational opportunities,” Biden statement reads.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
