Man who had prison sentence commuted by Biden now facing drug, firearms-related charges
Share and Follow

A convicted criminal whose prison sentence was commuted by former President Joe Biden is back behind bars.

Willie Frank Peterson, 52, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine in 2023, and was sentenced to six years and three months in jail. His sentence began on Sept. 13, 2023, according to court records obtained by Fox News Digital.

Per a Jan. 17 executive grant of clemency, Biden commuted Peterson’s sentence to 20 months, allowing him to leave custody shortly after.

But on Monday, Peterson was booked for multiple drug-related offensives in Dothan, Alabama. The Dothan Police Department charged Peterson with two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana. 

Willie Frank Peterson mugshot

Willie Frank Peterson is accused of possessing a controlled substance, plus marijuana, in addition to other charges. (Dothan Police Department)

On Jan. 17, he commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 inmates, primarily those convicted of non-violent drug offenses. 

“Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes,” Biden said at the time.

“With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history.”

President Biden sits behind the desk in the Oval Office

President Biden delivers his farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., Jan. 15. (Mandel Ngan/Pool via Reuters)

Fox News Digital reached out to the Dothan Police Department for more information. 

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Diane Keaton cuddles up to her dog in last photo before her death

Diane Keaton Shares Heartwarming Moment with Her Dog in Final Photo Before Passing

Beloved Hollywood legend Diane Keaton was last photographed beaming alongside her dog,…
The Left's most fervent, and most wrong, attack dog: NY's Rep. Dan Goldman

NY Rep. Dan Goldman: The Left’s Bold Critic and Controversial Advocate

In his renowned essay, Federalist No. 51, James Madison eloquently argued that…
gif of officers bashing car window with baton as fire engulfs vehicle

Driver narrowly escapes fiery car explosion as officers rush to rescue trapped man

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Newly released body camera…
Smithsonian poised to shutter museums Sunday as shutdown showdown persists

Smithsonian poised to shutter museums Sunday as shutdown showdown persists

(The Hill) — The Smithsonian Institute announced Saturday that its museums will…
Missing child found at Humboldt Park, Chicago home after disappearing more than 7 years ago; sibling, mother arrested

Leland, Mississippi shooting leaves 4 dead, about 20 hurt after high school football homecoming game; 2 killed in Heidelberg, MS

LELAND, Miss. — High school homecoming celebrations in Mississippi ended in gunfire,…
Multiple people shot at a Mississippi university homecoming event

Several Individuals Injured in Shooting at Mississippi University Homecoming Event

Multiple people were shot in Mississippi when gunfire erupted at Alcorn State…
Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins is murdered in jail

Former Lostprophets Singer Ian Watkins Faces Prison Dangers

The former girlfriend of paedophile Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has said she…
Trump directs Hegseth to use 'all available funds' to pay military workers amid shutdown

Trump Instructs Hegseth to Utilize ‘All Available Resources’ for Military Payroll During Shutdown

President Trump on Saturday directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use move…