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    "type": "document",
    "url": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/presidential-libraries/reagan/6908381/40-485-6908381-018-007-2017.pdf",
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    "ocrText": "Ronald Reagan Presidential Library\nDigital Library Collections\nThis is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.\nCollection: Roberts, John G.: Files\nFolder Title: JGR/Dozier, Gilbert (4 of 6)\nBox: 18\nTo see more digitized collections visit:\nhttps://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library\nTo see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:\nhttps://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection\nContact a reference archivist at: [email protected]\nCitation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing\nNational Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nOctober 24, 1984\nDear Mr. Masters:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On\nJune 24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence\nof from 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. Burton J. Masters\n6138 Del Canto\nSan Jose, CA 95119\nRAH: JGR:aea 10/24/84\nCC: FFFielding/RAHauser/JGRoberts/Subj/Chron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 5, 1984\nDear Mr. Bingham:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. William E. Bingham\nPost Office Box 4\nBaton Rouge, LA 70808\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Martin:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. Caleb Martin\nMartin Brothers, Incorporated\nPost Office Box 630\nWinnsboro, Louisiana 71295\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Dr. Richards:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nDr. Darrell H. Richards\n2730 N. Causeway Boulevard\nMetairie, LA 70002\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Jennings:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. R.D. Jennings\nCapital Valve & Fitting Co., Inc.\n9243 Interline Avenue\nBaton Rouge, LA 70809\n(\nRAH:JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Ms. Hobart:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMs. Sandra Hobart\nP.O. Box 51983\nLafayette, LA 70505\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Lombas:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. Herman J. Lombas, Jr.\n4120 I Street\nMetairie, LA 70001\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Ms. Engelsman:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMs. Margaret Engelsman\n12619 Middlewood Drive\nBaker, LA 70714\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Knight:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. Thomas A. Knight\n320 Austin Street\nBogalusa, LA 70487\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Fox:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nH.C. Fox\n4438 Orchid Street\nShreveport, LA 71105\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mrs. Murphy:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMrs. J.T. Murphy\n986 Oak Hills Parkway\nBaton Rouge, LA 70810\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Treppendahl:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nDavid Treppendahl, C.C.I.M.\nReal Estate Investment Services\n5420 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 202\nBaton Rouge, Louisiana 70808\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Perry:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. Monte Perry\n5106 Brightside View Drive\nBaton Rouge, LA 70808\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Spilmann:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. Joseph R. Spilmann, Jr.\n6238 St. Anthony Avenue\nNew Orleans, LA 70122\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Griffith:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. James M. Griffith\n1414 Monterrey Boulevard\nBaton Rouge, LA 70815\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Dr. Johnson:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nCharles D. Johnson, D.D.S.\n3012 Ray Weiland Drive\nBaker, LA 70714\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Zeringue:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. Paul J. Zeringue\nRoute 3, Box 58CA\nVacherie, LA 70090\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Dobson:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. Robert C. Dobson\n1037 Dauphine Street\nNew Orleans, LA 70116\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 6, 1984\nDear Mr. Nelson:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMr. Craig R. Nelson\nHulse, Nelson & Wanek\n610 Baronne Street\nNew Orleans, LA 70113\nRAH:JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 5, 1984\nDear Mrs. Sullins:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMrs. Roy S. Sullins\n2071 Columbine Street\nBaton Rouge, LA 70808\nRAH:JGR:aea 9/6/84\nCC: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 5, 1984\nDear Mrs. Bankston:\nThank you for your recent letter to the President concerning\nthe decision to commute the sentence of Gilbert L. Dozier to\nsix years imprisonment. In light of your expressed concerns\nabout that decision, you may be interested in more information\nabout the facts of the case and the procedures that were\nfollowed.\nGilbert L. Dozier was convicted in the United States District\nCourt for the Middle District of Louisiana in 1980 for\nviolations of Federal law involving extortion and bribery.\nDozier was convicted of soliciting money from individuals\nand businesses that were, or might have been, affected by\nactions of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture while he\nwas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1982 Dozier was also\nfound to have committed additional criminal acts, including\nobstruction of justice, and to have thereby violated the\nconditions of a court ordered probationary term. On June\n24, 1982, he commenced service of an aggregate sentence of\nfrom 58 months to 18 years imprisonment, followed by five\nyears probation, and was fined $25,000.\nIn January 1983, Dozier filed an application for Executive\nclemency with the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the\nDepartment of Justice. In accordance with standard proce-\ndures, the Office of the Pardon Attorney, headed and staffed\nby experienced career attorneys, obtained and evaluated\npertinent information, reports, and advice concerning\nDozier's application. The office recommended that Dozier's\nsentence be reduced, and on March 20, 1984, the Department\nof Justice advised the President to modify the sentence of\nimprisonment and probation to six years imprisonment.\nThe Department of Justice recommendation was based on the\ndisparity between Dozier's original sentence and sentences\nimposed in similar circumstances on like offenders for\n- 2 -\nsimilar offenses. The disparity became evident through an\nevaluation of relevant data compiled by the Administrative\nOffice of United States Courts on sentences imposed in\nFederal courts. Not only was Dozier's sentence comparatively\nlong, but the convictions for racketeering and extortion\nthat made up the pertinent statistics generally involved\nbehavior even more severe than the acts of extortion com-\nmitted by Dozier. Generally, they included offenders with\nserious prior criminal records whose offenses involved\nviolence. Sentencing statistics pertaining to defendants\nconvicted of bribery suggest an even greater disparity of\nsentence. In addition, sentences imposed in comparable\ncases in recent years upon a number of public officials in\nin the Federal criminal justice system were reviewed, and\nthis review again demonstrated the disparity of Dozier's\nsentence.\nThe recommendation of the Department of Justice was also\nbased on Dozier's cooperation with law enforcement author-\nities after his conviction. Such cooperation provided with\nrespect to ongoing law enforcement efforts is, as I am\ncertain you will understand, a very important consideration\nin matters of this kind. Also taken into account were the\nguidelines of the United States Parole Commission, the\nlength of incarceration to date, the fact that Dozier paid\nhis fine, and the minimal additional deterrent effect to be\nachieved by completion of the original sentence.\nThe President accepted the advice of the Department of\nJustice and on June 22, 1984 reduced Dozier's sentence to\nsix years. While the recommended sentence of six years\nimprisonment will permit Dozier to become eligible for\nparole consideration after two years imprisonment, any\nactual release date will be determined by the United States\nParole Commission in its discretion and in accordance with\nits applicable guidelines. Unless the Parole Commission\nreleases him sooner, Dozier will remain incarcerated until\nthe expiration of his six-year sentence, subject to\nstatutory release procedures (including good time)\napplicable to all Federal prisoners.\nIt is important to recognize that the President has not\npardoned Dozier for the very serious criminal conduct that\nresulted in his conviction and incarceration. The reduction\nof sentence, approved for the reasons outlined above, in no\nway minimizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by\nDozier.\n- 3 -\nWe appreciate your taking the time to share your views on\nthis matter with us. I hope the foregoing responds to your\nconcerns.\nSincerely,\nOriginal signed by RAH\nRichard A. Hauser\nDeputy Counsel to the President\nMrs. Cynthia Bankston\n1482 Weinberger Road\nPonchatoula, LA 70454\nRAH: JGR:aea 9/6/84\ncc: RAHauser\nJGRoberts\nSubj\nChron"
}