Hoosier State Today

Charles Tanner, 38, has served 14 years of a 30-year sentence for a conspiracy to distribute cocaine conviction. He petitioned President Donald Trump for clemency. The Buried Alive Project and the former mayor of Gary Indiana, Richard G. Hatcher, support Tanner.

 “[T]hrough my many years of direct involvement with the justice system as well as serving for 20 years as the first African American mayor of a major city in America, I have seen many similar stories evolve,” wrote Hatcher for the clemency petition. “Some outcomes have not been the best; however, I have also known many people who have shown remorse for their crimes, used their incarceration to better themselves and have been rehabilitated. I am confident that [Charles] is capable of returning to society as a very productive citizen.”

Prison reform advocate Alice Marie Johnson also wrote in support of Tanner’s clemency bid. She wrote that he was arrested with “simulated” cocaine during a controlled meeting with a confidential informant. No actual drugs were found on Tanner, but the judge ruled him responsible for the quantity of drugs attributable to the conspiracy. The judge based his decision on Tanner's co-defendants' testimonies. They received lesser sentences in exchange for their testimonies.

A professional boxer at the time, Tanner was arrested at age 24 in his hometown of Gary. It is his only conviction.

Tanner was originally sentenced to life, but it was reduced to 30 years pursuant to Amendment 782 of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Over the past 14 years, Tanner completed several courses, including an 18-month faith-based Life Connections Program, a strict curriculum offered only at five federal prisons nationwide.

When released, Tanner plans to reunite with his family, friends and a supportive church community.