On Thursday, President Biden announced he granted clemency to Gary Michael Robinson, 70, of Oregon and Russell Thomas Portner, 74, of Washington.
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — On Thursday in a statement, the White House released a list of people U.S. President Joe Biden will be granting clemency to. The list consisting of 39 pardons and 1,499 commutations, two of those pardons includes two men from the Pacific Northwest.
The list includes Gary Michael Robinson, a 70-year-old man from Redmond, Ore. who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. The statement from the White House describes Robinson as a distinguished U.S. army veteran who earned the National Defense Service Medal, among other awards during his service.
Robinson was honorably discharged and served as a reservist for several years, according to the statement from the White House. Following his conviction, Robinson has gone on to build a successful firefighting and habitat preservation business. The White House statement says he also volunteers and gives back regularly to charity, and is described by those who know him as honest, trustworthy and professional.
Russell Thomas Portner, 74, of Toutle, Wash. is another man that Biden announced he will pardon. Portner also pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. In the statement from the White House, Portner served in the U.S. army during the Vietnam War and was also honorably discharged after earning several decorations including the Bronze Star.
The White House says, since Portner’s conviction, he got married, raised fourr children and operated a successful business. He holds a reputation for charitable generosity and community service, and is currently a member of several veterans organizations. Portner is described by those who know him as trustworthy, loyal, and as a respected businessperson, according to the White House.
KGW reached out to both Robinson and Portner for comment, but have not heard back yet.
