Charles Michael Beaver — 

My brother John Knock is a nonviolent first time marijuana offender given two life sentences plus 20 years in a conspiracy case where no marijuana was even found. He’s been behind bars since 1996 and is now 69 years old. Without clemency from President Trump, that’s where he’ll die. 

In conspiracy cases defendants can be charged for actions they did not take part in or perhaps had not been aware of. But even if John had participated, life in prison does not fit the crime of a first time marijuana offense. John is no threat to society and he deserves to live the rest of his life with his family.

I started a petition asking President Trump to grant clemency to my brother John. Will you join me by signing my petition?

The three conspiracy charges related to marijuana trafficking came after acquaintances of his were arrested and charged. The courts were allowed to charge “perceived” amounts of marijuana because they had no evidence. The only evidence against John came from the testimony of agents and cooperating witnesses testifying for reduced sentences.

John has been separated from our family for 20 years. He watched his son grow from 3 into a young man of 23 through telephone calls and prison visiting rooms. He was in prison as our mother slipped into dementia and death. He could not call or talk with her because she could not navigate the instructions given to her to accept a call from a prisoner. He has never had a single infraction in prison.

Unfortunately, John was not granted clemency by President Obama. We don’t understand why but we’re going to stay focused on getting him free. That’s why I need you to sign my petition.

Sign my petition asking President Trump to grant my brother clemency from his life sentence for a non-violent marijuana crime.

Thank you for your support, 

Beth Curtis