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Louisiana woman, criminal justice reform advocate receives full pardon from President Trump

Syrita Steib-Martin.jpg
Posted at 12:37 PM, Jan 20, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-20 13:37:44-05

A Louisiana woman was one of 143 individuals pardoned by President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning.

Syrita Steib-Martin was granted a full pardon by the President and is one of two Louisiana natives to receive a pardon. Rapper Lil Wayne was also pardoned on Wednesday morning.

According to the White House, Steib-Martin was convicted at the age of 19 and sentenced to 10 years in prison and nearly $2 million in restitution for the use of fire to commit a felony.

After her release from prison in 2009, the White House says she became an advocate for criminal justice reform and founded Operation Restoration.

The organization helps transition women prisoners after incarceration by providing education opportunities and job placement.

"With today's pardon, Ms. Steib-Martin is relieved of the crushing restitution she incurred at such a young age," a White House release states.

Read more about Steib-Martin from Nola.com, here.

The White House says that the clemency was supported by Ben Watson formerly of the National Football League, Judge Sandra Jenkins of the Louisiana state courts, and Sister Marjorie Herbert, who serves as President and CEO of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, among many others.

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