Biden grants clemency to Mississippi man convicted of non-violent drug offense

A Mississippi man was among a list of people granted clemency, The White House announced Wednesday.

President Joe Biden used his authority under the Constitution to “advance equal justice under law” by granting clemency to “deserving individuals” who were convicted of non-violent drug offenses, according to the announcement.

Bobby Darrell Lowery of Jackson, Mississippi, is a 50-year-old man who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense at the age of 25. He served his sentence and successfully completed the terms of his probation. Since his release, Mr. Lowery has maintained steady employment and actively volunteers at his church and at various community-based organizations. Friends and colleagues praise his work ethic, dedication to his family, and strong moral character, The White House said.

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Justice Dept. profile

Bobby Darrell Lowery – Jackson, Mississippi

Offense: Possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Mississippi

Sentence: 60 months in prison (as amended on Oct. 4, 2000, Sept. 21, 2001, Oct. 3, 2001, and Oct. 11, 2002); five years of supervised release; May 28, 1999

What is clemency?

Clemency is defined as an act of leniency or disposition to be merciful, but as a broad legal term the word includes pardon, commutation of sentence, reprieve, or remission of fines and forfeitures, according to the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Clemency granted to Jackson MS man by President Biden