Overview

• President Trump issued full, unconditional pardons on May 27 for Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were serving combined sentences for bank fraud, tax evasion, wire fraud and obstruction of justice.
• Joe Exotic, serving a 21-year sentence at FMC Fort Worth for a 2018 murder-for-hire conviction, slammed the decision on social media as evidence of political favoritism.
• In public posts, Exotic has repeatedly insisted he is innocent and alleged his case involved entrapment, coerced testimony and federal collusion.
• Jorge Flores Maldonado, Exotic’s husband, was released from prison and deported to Tamaulipas, Mexico, on May 16, raising concerns over his safety amid cartel activity.
• A Change.org petition with more than 25,000 signatures has amplified calls for Exotic’s clemency following the high-profile Chrisley pardons.