California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Wednesday pardoned the Pulitzer Prize finalist who had been imprisoned for more than 20 years in San Quentin.
Aaron Woods gets recognition from Newsom After making “Ear Hustle”, The first-ever podcast was recorded and produced entirely inside a prison.
“Ear Hustle” airs on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other streaming platforms, with more than 80 million downloads and listeners from across the United States.
Newsom said Woods' success “provided proof that he was living the right life,” and also acknowledged “the efforts he has made to change himself” in the announcement.
Woods was one of 19 pardons by Newsom on Thanksgiving eve.
In 1989, at the age of 17, he was first sentenced to 10 years in prison for a robbery and kidnapping of a drug dealer in Los Angeles. Ten years later, he was charged with assault and attempted robbery and sentenced to 31 years in prison.
The state's former governor, Jerry Brown, said in November 2018 that Woods “has clearly shown that he is no longer the person he was when he committed this crime,” adding, “He sets a positive example for his colleagues and colleagues.” ” and commuted Woods' sentence. , through his podcast.” san francisco chronicle.
Woods said the new pardon will help free people from social stigma and move forward productively.
“Many of us who strive to change the way we think, live, and help others continue to face negative bias and barriers based on things related to our past,” Woods said in a statement. said.
“This kind of thinking can prevent someone from getting a job or traveling freely. This pardon removes that criticism from me and allows me to be more effective in my community. It’s easier now.”
His next steps include producing a documentary series with actor Morgan Freeman's entertainment company. according to deadline.
