US President Donald Trump has commuted the federal prison sentence of Larry Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples. The announcement came as part of a wide-ranging series of pardons and clemency actions.
Hoover, once one of Chicago’s most powerful gang leaders, had been serving six life sentences for federal conspiracy, drug trafficking, and extortion charges. Although freed from his federal punishment, he still faces a 200-year state sentence in Illinois for murder. State-level sentences remain beyond presidential authority.
The clemency wave includes other controversial figures. Trump also pardoned former New York congressman Michael Grimm, who served time for felony tax fraud. In total, Trump has issued over 40 pardons in his second term, adding to nearly 1,600 linked to the Capitol riot.
Hoover, 74, formed the Gangster Disciples in the 1970s. He expanded the gang into a national criminal network. In the 1990s, Hoover claimed to shift the group toward community service under the name Growth and Development.
Despite his claims, a 1997 conviction revealed continued criminal leadership. Prosecutors later argued Hoover still influenced gang operations from prison. In 2021, they alleged he remained involved in promoting gang activity.
In 2022, Hoover wrote to a court denying any current gang ties. He stated he had renounced his past and wanted no further connection. Yet authorities and courts have remained skeptical of his claims.
Hoover’s lawyer Justin Moore celebrated the commutation. He urged Illinois officials to release Hoover fully. “We got Larry Hoover out of federal prison… Illinois must send him home for good,” he posted.
Trump also granted clemency to several others. Rapper Kentrell Gaulden (NBA YoungBoy), former Connecticut Governor John Rowland, and fraud convict Kevin Eric Baisden were among them. Military officer Mark Bashaw also received a pardon for violating COVID rules during service.
Additionally, Trump pardoned two men charged with shark-related theft at sea, along with reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley. They were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion.
On the same day, Trump hinted he might pardon men charged with plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. He suggested the trial may have been unfair.
As Trump commutes gang leader’s sentence and expands clemency to others, the political and legal implications continue to stir strong reactions.
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