3 Minnesota Women Among The 39 Pardoned By Biden

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3 Minnesota Women Among The 39 Pardoned By Biden

MINNEAPOLIS β€” Three Minnesota women are among the 39 people President Biden pardoned Thursday morning.

Many of the pardons are for long-ago, non-violent drug offenses. Biden also commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thursday marked the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.

Kelsie Lynn Becklin, a 38-year-old woman from Falcon Heights, had pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense when she was 21.

"I started pacing and kind of crying, going in and out of tears," said Becklin.

She had no idea it would take as long as it did to get the call from Washington.

"I pretty much heard nothing, so that was in 2017. And I've just been waiting to get a yes or no since then," she said.

Becklin was incarcerated four months, followed by three years of probation. She says the birth of her now 14-year-old son Dominic was the turning point for getting her life together.

"I just started taking classes and kind of seeing what doors opened for me," she said. "And I just fell into science and research."

Two years ago, she graduated with her Ph.D. in biomedical sciences. She now works in the research lab at the University of Minnesota, studying how genetic modifications can help people heal. She also mentors previously incarcerated people through the nonprofit Prisons to Professionals program.

Becklin says her success is thanks to supportive friends and family, and those who gave her a chance.

"You can influence someone's life. You can help them like overcome some of these things by giving them that chance, and giving them that space and opportunity to grow and become someone new," she said.

Biden also pardoned Lashawn Marrvinia Walker from Minneapolis. The 51-year-old pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses when she was in her 20s. She received early termination of her probationary sentence because she had an excellent probation record, the White House said.

"Since then, Ms. Walker has worked in the healthcare field, is an engaged parent, and regularly assists others in her community, including during the holidays when she helps serve dinner at a retirement home," the White House said in a statement.

The final Minnesota woman β€” 49-year-old Sarah Jean Carlson β€” pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. Carlson, who is originally from Coon Rapids, committed to her education, and worked in addiction counseling at a faith-based rehabilitation center. She also volunteers in her community and at her church, according to the White House.

Biden added that he would be taking more steps in the coming weeks to review clemency petitions. In addition to the three Minnesotans, Biden also pardoned two people from Wisconsin.

SOURCE: CBS NEWS MINNESOTA

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