Sunshine Sentinel

Evelyn Pappa, a 59-year old mother of four, has served approximately 25 years of eight life sentences at FCI Tallahassee for a non-violent conspiracy to distribute conviction and may be a deserving candidate for clemency, says justice reform advocate Alice Marie Johnson.

"Not a day goes by that I do not regret my involvement in the conspiracy," Pappa said in a letter to President Trump. "I am profoundly remorseful and sorry for the crimes I have committed and as a result, wronged others, and abandoning my four children who had to grow up without a mother." 

At the age of 34, Pappa turned herself in, but her husband, Romero, the organizer of the conspiracy, fled to Colombia. Romero was never held accountable for his actions because he was killed in Colombia a few years later. 

Molested by a family member at the age of 11, Pappa was forced to marry Romero when she was 14, enduring his physical and mental abuse. When Pappa went to court, the context of her marital relationship was not heard or considered by the jury or at sentencing. If the trial was held today, it would be considered.

Despite the abuse, Pappa has been a productive member during her time in prison. She works as a chapel translator, translating sermons from English to Spanish. As a teacher for the Religious Services reentry faith-based classes, she also worked with the chaplain to develop nine Spanish curricula. 

Upon release, Pappa wants to return to Colombia to reunite with her 95-year-old mother who wants to see her before she dies. 

"President Trump, I am asking for your mercy to please grant me clemency," Pappa said. "Yes, I will be deported to my native country of Colombia, where my four children are at, including my 95 year old mother, awaits me before she dies."

Pappa's request for clemency is supported by eight inmates who served time with her. 

"After serving eleven years of incarceration with Evelyn, I can honestly say that part of who I am today is because she mentored me," Damars Ramos said in a letter to President Trump.