President Joe Biden Gives Arthur Lawrence Byrd New Wings with Pardon

CLINTON, MD. – President Joe Biden gave Arthur Lawrence Byrd a new lease on life when the Clinton, Md., man was pardoned for a crime he committed many years ago.

“I’ve got this stain off me,” Byrd told The Baltimore Sun. “I don’t want to die a criminal.”

In a White House statement published in The Sun, Byrd was recognized for his work as an equipment operator who received “various certificates in recognition for his work and safety record” and his church and community activities.

The pardon was among 39 issued by Biden, and the president commuted the sentences of 1,499 people.

Byrd is 58 and at the age of 23 spent a year in a minimum security prison after he made the mistake of “getting into the passenger side of a stolen car,” according to his quotes in The Sun. But his costly error followed Byrd throughout his life.

Byrd said he was taken aback and was delighted to receive a call Wednesday night from the Department of Justice, in response to a pardon for which he applied eight years ago. He told The Sun he feels the pardon is a blessing but so was prison, the thought of which returning to kept him on the straight and narrow over the years.

Among the other people who received pardons according to the White House release are:

NORMAN O’NEAL BROWN – Washington, D.C.

Norman O’Neal Brown is a 56-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent drug offenses when he was 22 years old. If Mr. Brown had been sentenced under current law and today’s sentencing practices, he likely would have received a shorter sentence. After serving over 20 years in prison, President Obama commuted his sentence in 2015.

Since then, Mr. Brown has worked with several non-profit organizations, including those focused on rehabilitation, reentry, and justice-impacted youth. Mr. Brown volunteers at several national and community-based organizations that help support incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated people and serves as a board member for a non-profit dedicated to sentencing reform. Family members and colleagues describe Mr. Brown as a man of grace and integrity and an exceptional human being.

BRANDON SERGIO CASTROFLAY – Alexandria, Virginia
Brandon Sergio Castroflay is a 49-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent, drug-related offenses at age 21. After successfully completing his sentence, Mr. Castroflay continued his career in the U.S. Army and then went on to work as a civilian for both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Castroflay received multiple awards related to his work.

He also took night classes to earn a bachelor’s degree while also working full-time. Mr. Castroflay volunteers for several charitable organizations that support Gold Star families and wounded service members. Mr. Castroflay has been described as exceptionally hard working, dedicated, and trustworthy by those who know him.

PATRICE CHANTE SELLERS – Bear, Delaware
Patrice Chante Sellers is a 49-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense when she was in her 20s. If Ms. Sellers had been sentenced under current law and sentencing practice, she likely would not have been prosecuted federally.

Since her conviction, Ms. Sellers enrolled in school, earning multiple certifications and licenses. She gives back to her community by donating clothing and toiletries to a transitional housing program and offering encouragement to its residents. Community members describe Ms. Sellers as someone who goes above and beyond for others.

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