Executive Grant of Clemency for Andrew Zabavsky
President Donald J. Trump issued an Executive Grant of Clemency, granting a full and unconditional pardon to Andrew Zabavsky.
The pardon covers convictions for violations of sections 371 and 1512 of Title 18, United States Code, stemming from an indictment in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia (Docket No. 1:21-cr-00598-PLF).
The pardon allows the Pardon Attorney to sign the grant on the President's behalf, citing the President's constitutional authority.
Arguments For
- Intended benefits: The pardon could offer a fresh start for Andrew Zabavsky, allowing him to reintegrate into society without the weight of his convictions. It could also potentially rectify perceived injustices in his sentencing or prosecution.
- Evidence cited: The document cites the President's power under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution to grant pardons.
- Implementation methods: The Pardon Attorney is designated to sign the grant of clemency on the President's behalf.
- Legal/historical basis: The act is supported by the established constitutional authority of the President to grant pardons.
Arguments Against
- Potential impacts: The pardon could undermine public trust in the justice system, particularly if the conviction was deemed just. It could also set a precedent for future pardons that might be controversial.
- Implementation challenges: The process of fully implementing the pardon may face logistical hurdles or bureaucratic delays.
- Alternative approaches: Alternative actions could have been taken, such as a commutation of sentence or other forms of clemency.
- Unintended effects: The pardon might have unforeseen repercussions on other aspects of the case or encourage others to commit similar crimes.
Executive Grant of Clemency
Donald J. Trump President of the United States of America
To All to Whom These Presents Shall Come, Greeting:
** Be it Known, that This Day, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, Pursuant to My Powers Under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1, of the Constitution, Have Granted Unto**
Andrew Zabavsky
A Full and Unconditional Pardon
For His convictions in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, on an indictment (Docket No. 1:21-cr-00598-PLF), of violations of section 371, title 18, United States Code, and section 1512, title 18, United States Code, for which he was sentenced on September 12, 2024, to 48 months of imprisonment on each count (to run concurrently); 3 years of supervised release; and a special assessment of two hundred dollars ($200).
I HEREBY DESIGNATE, direct, and empower, the Pardon Attorney, as my representative, to sign a grant of clemency to the person named herein. The Pardon Attorney shall declare that her action is the act of the President, being performed at my direction.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and caused the seal of the Department of Justice to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington in the District of Columbia this 22nd day of January in the Year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States the two hundred forty-ninth.
This presidential document is a formal pardon granted to Andrew Zabavsky.
The pardon is complete and unconditional.
The pardon specifically covers convictions for violating sections 371 and 1512 of Title 18 of the US Code, stemming from a case in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, case number 1:21-cr-00598-PLF.
The original sentence included 48 months imprisonment (concurrent), three years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment.
The pardon was issued under the President's constitutional authority (Article II, Section 2, Clause 1).
The Pardon Attorney is authorized to sign the official pardon document on the President's behalf.