President Biden has granted a pardon to a Navy veteran from Coral Springs, who was convicted of bank embezzlement in 1997

Coral Springs, Florida – This week, President Joe Biden granted pardons to 39 individuals convicted of non-violent offenses, including a resident from Coral Springs.

At 55 years old, Joe Antonio Rodriguez stands out as the sole representative from Florida on the list.

Records from the U.S. Department of Justice indicate that Rodriguez entered a guilty plea for bank embezzlement in 1997 when he was 26 years old.

He spent a single day in jail, paid a fine of $500, and fulfilled three years of supervised release.
Rodriguez, a distinguished U.S. Navy veteran, received multiple medals and commendations for his service, notably the U.S. Navy Achievement Medal, as noted in President Biden’s announcement.

“Following his conviction, Mr. Rodriguez has begun a family, sought higher education, and secured a position in the medical field,” the statement from Biden indicated. Mr. Rodriguez is characterized by colleagues and friends as someone who embodies compassion, empathy, and a strong commitment to patient care.

According to the statement, President Biden issued pardons to those “who have shown successful rehabilitation and a dedication to enhancing and protecting their communities.”

Alongside the pardons, close to 1,500 individuals received sentence commutations.

A statement indicated that numerous individuals “would face reduced sentences if prosecuted under current laws, policies, and practices.”