Creaghan Harry, Co-Founder of Racial Justice Reform -

Attn: President Joe Biden
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President,

I am reaching out on behalf of Racial Justice Reform, an organization dedicated to tackling systemic injustices within the federal sentencing system, with a focus on the career offender enhancement policy. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, our organization advocates for sentencing reform, particularly in cases where non-violent offenses, such as minor drug crimes, lead to disproportionately severe sentences. Our attention is drawn to the case of Jonathan Hale Davis, who is currently serving a 27-year sentence due to the application of the career offender enhancement for minor drug offenses that took place decades ago.

Jonathan’s situation exemplifies the devastating effects of the career offender enhancement on individuals and families. His prior convictions for street-level drug sales—non-violent in nature—have been used to enhance his sentence under the three strikes law, resulting in an excessive 324-month term. After 14 years served, we believe this case represents a profound injustice, especially when compared to sentences for more serious offenses.

As a civil rights organization, we believe that applying the career offender status in cases like Jonathan’s exacerbates racial inequities in the federal justice system. His enhanced sentence results from prosecutorial discretion within a judicial system that frequently imposes harsh penalties on marginalized communities, like Jonathan’s, beyond what is just or necessary. We respectfully urge you to exercise your clemency powers to reduce his sentence without delay.

Jonathan has made significant rehabilitative strides during his incarceration, including completing various programs and becoming a Certified Recovery Coach—a role crucial to addressing the opioid crisis upon his release. Despite these efforts, he continues to face a lengthy sentence due to outdated sentencing laws and policies from the war on drugs, which have disproportionately impacted communities of color.

We implore you, Mr. President, to commute Jonathan’s sentence, enabling him to reunite with his family, support his elderly father, and positively contribute to society. His continued imprisonment serves no purpose, and his release would mark an important step toward addressing systemic injustice. His case highlights the urgent need for reforms in our criminal justice system.