4 PNW residents among Americans pardoned by President Biden

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Four Pacific Northwest residents were among the group of people pardoned by U.S. President Joe Biden.

The White House revealed the president’s list of clemency recipients on Thursday. With 39 pardons and 1,499 commutations issued, the move from Biden has been described as the “largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.”

According to the announcement, Gary Michael Robinson is the only Oregon pardon recipient on the list.

Officials said the 70-year-old Redmond native previously pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense, but has “built a successful firefighting and habitat preservation business” since his conviction. Robinson previously served in the U.S. Army and earned the National Defense Service Medal, among other awards.

President Biden also pardoned three Washington residents, all of which also pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses.

The White House reported that 60-year-old Rosetta Jean Davis has “maintained steady employment” since her conviction. The Colvile woman has worked as a peer supporter for people facing substance abuse issues.

Pardon recipient Russell Thomas Portner, age 74, has gotten married and raised four children since being convicted. Officials said the Army veteran from Toutle has “operated a successful business” and engages in community service.

Additionally, Seattle resident Terence Anthony Jackson received a pardon. The 36-year-old man was convicted of a non-violent drug offense at 23 years old, according to the announcement.

“If Mr. Jackson had been sentenced under current law and sentencing practices, he would have likely received a shorter sentence,” the White House said. “In the years since his release, Mr. Jackson has worked in the legal industry and is pursuing a degree while he works full-time.”

Biden’s move to pardon 39 people follows his decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, for gun and tax convictions. A poll from the Associated Press found that just two out of 10 Americans agreed with the decision.