Author: Amy Ralston

Amy Ralston Povah is a clemency recipient under President Clinton, an award winning filmmaker, and founder of the CAN-DO Foundation.

Barbara Pacheco – 20 years

Name: Barbara Pacheco #05776-030
DOB: 12/26/1958
Age: 61
Children: 1 son – Jay  1 daughter Samantha 5 grandchildren – all girls.
Race: White
Charge: Conspiracy to Deliver 500 grams.
Served: 14 years
Sentence: 20 years
Sentenced in: 2006
Release Date:Read the rest

Bill Maher Wants More Pardons – Thanks to CAN-DO

On January 20, 2015, CAN-DO sent a package to Bill Maher begging him to address the lack of Presidential clemencies for drug offenders, especially people serving time for pot on his show. This was the second time CAN-DO founder Amy … Read the rest

CAN-DO Founder Amy Povah in New York Times

NYTsJanuary 26, 2015

Amy Povah, founder of CAN-DO; P.S. Ruckman, a pardon expert, and Sam Morison, former Pardon Staff Attorney for 13 years, who are both members of the CAN-DO advisory board, contributed to this NYTs online debate about “the … Read the rest

Congrats to Terry Anderson – 30 Years – clemency on 1/19/17

Terry Anderson just received the gift of freedom from President Obama – we are elated – Terry can now reunite with her twin daughters and extended family!

Please sign Terry’s change.org petition.

Terry Lynn Anderson is #07 on the Top Read the rest

Rose Summers – 1st Offender – 24 Years is now free!

Rose Ella Summers – 20697-001
DOB: 9-11-70
Children: 1 son – Victor
Race: White
Raised: Grand Prarie, Texas
Tried: Dallas, Texas
Will live: Dallas, Texas
Charge: Conspiracy to Distribute Meth and Money Laundering
Sentenced: May 7, 1997
Sentence: 24 years … Read the rest

Elizabeth Rushing – 1st Offender – 24 years – released early due to COVID-19

Please sign and share Elizabeth’s Change.org petition 

b_rushing_close-upExciting news for the Rushing family now that Liz is safe at home with her family.
Name:
Elizabeth Marie Rushing  #18715-056
DOB: 5/14/1966
Children: 1 daughter – she was 18 months old when … Read the rest

100th Anniversary of the First Marijuana Raid

CALIFORNIA NORML and COALITION FOR CANNABIS POLICY REFORM held a press conference on the LA City Hall steps to mark an infamous day in history:

September 8, 2014 – The disastrous legacy of the war on marijuana will be addressed … Read the rest

Barbara Scrivner Receives Clemency – 12/17/14 – RIP

CAN-DO NEWS FLASH

BARBARA SCRIVNER RECEIVED CLEMENCY FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA

Although it’s LONG OVERDUE – we could not be happier to hear that someone so deserving was finally rewarded with leniency after serving 21 years!

Today, the Associated Press reported … Read the rest

Cathy Lee Jones Receives Clemency – 12/17/14

 

cathy_lee_jonesCAN-DO NEWSFLASH

CATHY LEE JONES received a commutation of her sentence by President Obama on
December 17th, 2014.  She is currently scheduled to be released in April, 2015.  CAN-DO congratulates Cathy for her endurance and perseverance!  Miracles can happen … Read the rest

CAN-DO Op Ed in San Francisco Chronicle – Thanksgiving pardons

By Amy Ralston Povah
Published: Wednesday, November 26, 2014
obama_thanksgiving

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instead of sleepwalking through the obligatory turkey “pardon” on the White House Lawn this year, I wish President Obama would grant … Read the rest

Leopoldo Hernandez-Miranda – serving Life for Pot – has sadly deceased!

Leopoldo passed away in prison – he is at peace and we honor his memory!

Leopoldo Hernandez-Miranda

NAME: Leopoldo Hernandez-Miranda 81659-071
SENTENCE: Life Without Parole
AGE: 80
SERVED: Over 23 years
Sentenced: 1993
INSTITUTION: FMC Butner, PO Box 1600, Butner, … Read the rest

Billy Dekle – Serving Life for Pot Is Now Free – Clemency

Former Marine, Billy Dekle was serving Life for Pot

Billy Dekle has called several times since his release, the last time was on February 29th
to talk about his half-way house woes.  We remember the days when clemency recipients did
Read the rest

Gracie Ann Walker – 24 years 2 months Received on 8-30!!!

Gracie_Walker_CANDO

Gracie sent Amy Povah with CAN-DO this message:                                    PRIASE GOD.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WAS JUST NOTIFIED THAT I AM ON THE LIST OF PRESIDENT OBAMA’S. THE ONLY STIPULATION IS THAT I HAVE TO DO RDAP OR AT LEAST SIGNED UP BY 8/11/18… Read the rest

Crystal Munoz – serving 15 years for pot received CLEMENCY on 2/18/2020

Crystal-03Congrats to Crystal Munoz and her husband Ricky Munoz – Mission Accomplished!!!

Crystal Munoz #79319-180
DOB: 06-19-1979
Age: 40
Children:  2 daughters
Race: Native American (Navajo)
Charge: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1000 kilograms or more of marijuana… Read the rest

Sign Our Petition Urging President Obama to Free the Top 25

 

The Top 25 Women Deserving Presidential Clemency is a list of extraordinarily worthy women whose time in federal prison should end.

Ramona Brant, Sharanda Jones, Josephine Ledezma, and so many more are now free! Lets bring … Read the rest

Scroll to top