Hoosier State Today

The CAN-DO Foundation supports James “Jimmy” Romans in his bid for clemency following President Trump’s issuing clemency to multiple individuals in February 2020.

Romans was sentenced to life in prison on a charge of conspiracy to distribute marijuana in February 2013. His sentence was reduced to 30 years with supervised release for five years, in 2017.

He admits to buying and selling pounds of marijuana in his petition for clemency and expresses regret for his actions. Although he has prior convictions for commercial burglary, driving while suspended, possession of marijuana, and others, those convictions were too old to be used as factors in sentencing, and he had no criminal history points in 2013, according to a note in his petition for clemency.

“I am seeking a commutation of my sentence because I am no longer a threat to public safety. My incarceration has given me the opportunity to learn how valuable freedom truly is. There is an appreciation that I cannot explain in words,” said Romans in his petition. “At the age of 39. I was arrested for my involvement in a non-violent marijuana conspiracy, and eventually sentenced to life imprisonment. There are no excuses for the irrational and irresponsible decisions that I made to involve me in this conspiracy, and I accept full responsibility for those choices.”

While he has been incarcerated, Romans has completed many classes and educational activities, including PowerPoint, web design, drug education, real estate, life connection graduate after care, PTSD seminar, boundaries seminar, and has completed a dental assistant apprenticeship, among others.  

“Since my incarceration I have changed my steps and with it my direction," Romans said. "I have a newfound respect for not only the rule of law, but also my family. Being sentenced to life imprisonment hurt deeply, but that hurt could not compare to the pain I felt in letting my two daughters. son and parents down.” 

If he is released, there is a plan in place for Romans to live in Indiana and he can apply to dental offices or hospitals after completing the 2,000-hour apprenticeship program at FMC Lexington and becoming certified as a dental assistant, and in tool and instrument sterilization.