Source: JoCo Report
Governor Roy Cooper has recently reduced the sentence of four North Carolinians and pardoned four others. In a press release on the matter, Cooper disclosed that the pardons and commutations came after an intense review of each case.
“Ensuring thorough review of cases while taking executive clemency action is a responsibility I take seriously,” said Cooper. The close reevaluation of the cases included reviewing the circumstances of the crimes as well as the length of the sentences. Additionally, factors outside of the crime were also considered, including prison records and the readiness of the individual to successfully reenter their communities after prison. After reviewing the cases, Cooper reduced the sentence of Kareem Phifer, Josiah Deyton, Andrew Deyton, and Jonathan Koniak.
Phifer’s commutation came at the recommendation of the Juvenile Sentence Review Board, a board that Cooper put in place to review the petitions of individuals whose crimes were committed when they were under the age of 18. Phifer, now age 45, has served almost 30 years for his involvement in two armed robberies when he was 15. During the robberies multiple older individuals kidnapped a victim and one sexually assaulted the victim. Despite being one of the youngest participants he received the longest sentencing out of everyone involved. However, while in prison, Phifer had participated in a number of self improvement programs, been selected to guide at-risk youth, and earned his GED on top of participating in vocational programs. Governor Cooper commuted his sentence to time served which cut short the original sentence that would have seen Phifer released in September 2030.
Josiah and Andrew Deyton, along with Jonathan Koniak also had their sentences shortened. For their participation in a robbery of a church in 2008, these three men were all convicted of eleven counts of armed robbery, one count of conspiracy, and Josiah specifically was additionally convicted of one count of felonious larceny. During the time of the crime Josiah was 18, Andrew was 19, and Jonatgan was 20. Governor Cooper commuted all three of their sentences to time served.
While incarcerated Josiah Deyton worked as a recreation clerk, earned his GED, often participated in New Leash on Life dog training program and remained infraction free. Andrew Deyton spent his time sewing uniforms for the state ferry system, receiving several certificates, and demonstrating good behavior. Jonathan Koniak worked as a canteen operator, participated in various vocational programs, and served as an apprentice in the manufacturing unit.
The four North Carolinians pardoned by Cooper have each contributed to their communities since the time of their crimes and sentencing. Artimis Quick, now 38, was convicted of a DWI when he was 21 years old and since then has earned multiple graduate degrees and served in the United States Army leading to him receiving the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Paul Cree, now 63, was convicted of common law robbery when he was 16 and has worked in the nursing profession for many years. Shavona Corbin, who is 51, was convicted of drug related crimes in 1997, but has worked as a nurse since 2015 and works with two nonprofits that focus on aiding patients struggling with sobriety and help children with psychiatric issues. Walter Bryson III, currently 51 years old, was convicted of two counts of misdemeanor larceny when he was 17 and common law robbery at 24. Bryson served his community as a firefighter, being promoted to captain and earning the medal of valor, and served as a first responder.
In a press release, Cooper stated, “All of these individuals are deserving of clemency and we will continue to work to protect our communities and improve the fairness of our criminal justice system.”. Cooper has made improving reentry a priority during his last year in office. Earlier this year the Governor gave the executive order that calls for a statewide effort to assist the formerly incarcerated with reentry into society. In addition to breaking down barriers many formerly incarcerated people face, this executive order also adds us to a list of states participating in Reentry 2030, a nationwide effort to drastically improve reentry success. The goals of Reentry 2030 are wide ranging from reducing the number of incarcerated people who end up homeless upon release to increasing the amount of post secondary degrees offered in facilities and increasing the number of second chance employer partners. “I set bold goals because I knew we could get there,” Cooper stated in regard to the bold goals of Reentry 2023. “North Carolina is setting an example for the rest of the country.”
