Biden pardons Yuma man for 1980 cocaine offense

President Joe Biden fully pardoned Gary Parks Davis, a 66-year old Yuma man, on Friday for a drug-related offense.

Davis served six months in jail on nights and weekends for using his phone in 1980 to participate in "an unlawful cocaine transaction." He finished his probation period the following year.

Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., issued a written statement following the announcement of Davis' pardon:

“Today, President Biden granted clemency to Yuma resident, Gary Parks Davis. Davis was convicted of a minor drug charge, incarcerated, released, and has since rehabilitated himself to become a model citizen. Davis' story is one of redemption. It's a story that we must make more commonplace through common-sense criminal justice reforms. I'm glad to see President Biden grant this clemency for Gary and I hope that this will bring peace of mind and closure for him and his family.”