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Trump pardons 63-year-old drug offender after meeting with Kim Kardashian

Trump pardons 63-year-old drug offender after meeting with Kim Kardashian

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Alice Johnson was serving a life sentence in jail for a non-violent drug crime. There has been a long-running campaign to free her, but Johnson's case was most recently brought to Trump's attention by Kim Kardashian West

US President Donald Trump has pardoned 63-year-old great grandmother Alice Johnson, who was serving a life sentence in jail for a non-violent drug crime. 

There has been a long-running campaign to free her, but Johnson's case was most recently brought to Trump's attention by Kim Kardashian West. 

Johnson was arrested in 1996 for being part of a cocaine distribution ring. 

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She was convicted on charges of possession and money laundering. 

Johnson's appeal for clemency was turned down by former president Barack Obama just before he left office. 

"Ms Johnson has accepted responsibility for her past behaviour and has been a model prisoner over the past two decades," the White House said in a statement.

"Despite receiving a life sentence, Alice worked hard to rehabilitate herself in prison, and act as a mentor to her fellow inmates."

"BEST NEWS EVER!!!!" Kardashian tweeted after the news broke. 

"So grateful to @realDonaldTrump, Jared Kushner & to everyone who has showed compassion & contributed countless hours to this important moment for Ms. Alice Marie Johnson. Her commutation is inspirational & gives hope to so many others who are also deserving of a second chance," she added.