MULDROW, Okla. — As part of the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history, Muldrow woman Shannan Rae Faulkner was pardoned by President Joe Biden for non-violent drug offenses on Dec. 12.
Biden pardoned 39 Americans convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentences of roughly 1,500 more. The commutations were aimed at people who served at least one year in home confinement following the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw one in five prisoners testing positive at one point, according to the Associated Press.
Faulkner, 56, pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. After completing her sentence, Faulkner continued her education and works as a counselor and recovery coach for female trauma victims and people with disabilities, according to a White House report.
Faulkner also volunteers with organizations and local charities dedicated to preventing sexual assault and domestic violence. Colleagues attest to her inspirational character, her integrity, and the remarkable impact she makes on the lives of those she helps.
Other pardons were handed out to people who are working to turn their lives around, including a woman who led emergency response teams during a natural disaster, a church deacon who worked as an addiction and youth counselor, a doctoral student in molecular biosciences, and a decorated military veteran.
Parts of this report were contributed by the Associated Press.
