Name: Patricia Aruda — Currently Free on CARES Act but still needs clemency
DOB: February 12
Race: White
Raised: Wailuku, Mai, Hawaii
Tried: District of Hawaii
Will live: Maui, Hawaii
Charges: 21 USC 841(a)(1) & 841 (b)(1)(A).
Sentenced on: December 8, 2015
Priors: Few minor misdemeanor charges.
Prison Conduct: Exemplary
Clemency status: Pending – C298344
Release date: October 3, 2023
Institution: Currently at a Halfway House, Honolulu, HI
Supporters: Family, Friends, CAN-DO Foundation, Lisa Jacobi.
Health issues: Many, see below
Accomplishments:
- Enrolled in many courses
- Granted Release Under CARES Act 10/20/2021
According to Patti: I made a horrible mistake years ago to engage in drug trafficking activity. This activity was based on my addiction to meth. I am so very sorry for the choices that I made, and I vow to never ever get involved in drugs again. My life is too precious, and more importantly, my daughter’s life is one that I never want to miss out on any further. She is my world, and I will do whatever it takes to stay sober, healthy, and be the mother she deserves.
I have spent the last 80 months incarcerated since 2015. I am now at a faith based halfway house since October 20, 2021, as I was released on the CARES Act due to my health. I have the following health issues: hypothyroidism; obesity; bipolar disorder; anxiety; depression; arthritis; urinary and fecal incontinence; high cholesterol, pre-cancer squamous cell carcinoma, which I am being treated for and most recently, two of my heart valves are weakened. I am truly sorry for what I did, I take full responsibility for my crime. My health has declined rapidly, and I’m grateful to be home under the CARES Act.
I humbly ask for clemency because I am currently housed in Honolulu at a half-way house. But my husband and daughter are in Maui, and even though I have been released since 2021, I cannot get to my homeland because there are no capabilities to be monitored on other islands other than the main island. I miss my daughter and husband so much, and to be this close and still not be able to see them on a daily basis, is torture in itself.
Release plan: Housing-If released on clemency, Ms. Aruda has a loving and caring family who are committed to assisting her in a successful reentry to society. She also has many friends in the community who plan to assist her as well. Ms. Aruda would return to Maui to live with her husband and daughter. Employment-Ms. Aruda hopes she will be able to continue to work for PF Changs if she is able to transfer there from the Honolulu location. She has been highly successful working for them on the main island. She also plans to work for a realty company.
