Hoosier State Today

Charles “Duke” Tanner is 38, and a first-time offender serving a 30-year sentence. He was arrested for a non-violent drug charge in 2006 when he was 24. Tanner was given two life sentences in 2009. The mandatory minimum for his charges-- conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute-- was 10 years,  and U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano sentenced him to the maximum: life.  It was reduced to a 30-year sentence in 2014 due to an amendment, according to NWI.

His clemency status is currently pending with the Trump administration. His clemency is supported by several community members and organizations, including the Buried Alive project.

Because of his good behavior, Tanner was transferred to a low-security prison in Pennsylvania.

“Charles is one of the most deserving clemency candidates I've had the honor of advocating for during the 20 years that I have been working in the clemency space. He is humble, articulate, devoted to his family and rehabilitation; a true champion who made a mistake and deserves a second chance.” said Amy Ralston Povah, president of the CAN-DO Foundation.

Tanner is the top candidate on the CAN-DO Foundation’s list of men seeking clemency.  Before his arrest, he was a popular boxer in Indiana, with a 19-0 record at 24. 

“He grew an entourage that was beyond comparison,” said Tom Lewis, Tanner’s former promoter, according to his profile on CAN-DO. He was a local celebrity in Gary, Indiana.

He asked for clemency in 2016 from the Obama administration but it was not granted.

Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson wrote in a letter supporting Tanner’s clemency: "As a former Indiana attorney general and Lake County deputy prosecutor, I understand the importance of ensuring that citizens adhere to our laws ... The sentencing disparity that led to Mr. Tanner's sentence does not serve as an appropriate deterrent but as a hyper-punitive measure that flies in the face of rehabilitation ... grant clemency to him."

He also had the support of the late former Gary Mayor Richard G. Hatcher. 

According to Hoosier State Today, Hatcher wrote, ““[Through] 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. 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.”

Tanner's son Charles III is 16, and he made a video pleading with Trump to allow for his clemency.

While in prison, Tanner has used his time well. Overall, he has participated in more than 1160 hours of programs, including a college course called vocational building trades. He has taken Inside out Dad courses and parenting courses, while building and maintaining a relationship with his son while imprisoned. He also held several leadership positions in prison.

According to a statement he wrote, Tanner said “my goal is to pick up where my life was cut short and make it a favorable ending with a substantial positive contribution to society, utilizing all of my abilities and skills I have worked hard to acquire.”

According to PressRelease.com, a movie about Tanner’s life is in the works. A Los-Angeles based film company, Troy Bly Films, is working on “Duke Got Next." It depicts the story of an undefeated boxer who is indicted on federal charges.