Empire State Today

Chad Marks has the support of the CAN-DO Clemency Foundation in his bid for clemency from President Trump.

Mandatory sentencing left Marks with a 40-year prison term on conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He has started the 18th year of his sentence.

Marks’ conduct while in prison and the circumstances of his sentencing prompted the presiding judge in his case, U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer, to write his first letter in support of clemency for a defendant who came before him.

“I never would have imposed a 40-year term for this kind of offender,” Larimer said in his 2018 letter.

“Chad Marks has changed dramatically. His record of accomplishment while in prison is extraordinary. Others can describe the particulars, but I know he has obtained a college degree and has taken successfully over 70 rehabilitative programs and courses.”

Lisa Jacobi, administrative assistant for the CAN-DO Foundation, said Marks’ case stood out because of the length of his sentence.

“Forty years for a non-violent drug offense is just outrageous when murders, rapists, child molesters get less," Jacobi told Empire State Today. Even his co-defendants received far less time because they plead out; Chad went to trial and received 40 years. I knew when I heard this and saw how much he was fighting to prove he’s changed; I knew I had to get involved. Judge Larimer saw this too.”

Marks grew up in an inner-city, drug-ridden neighborhood in a poor family with no chance for success, Jacobi said.

“He had a troubled childhood, parents both drank, brother committed suicide, father was hooked on drugs. He knew no other life than that of drugs and hustling," Jacobi told Empire State Today. "That's what got him into prison."

Marks plans to live with his uncle in Rochester, New York, if released.

“Clemency would allow me a second chance to reclaim my life. A chance to be the son, husband, and father I was meant to be. It would allow me to enjoy what the Framers found so important life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Marks told the CAN-DO Foundation. “It would allow me to spend time with my mother who is sick and elderly. I have learned to appreciate my freedom, my family, and I am prayerful that President Trump would see me worthy of his mercy.”

In addition to Jacobi and Latimer, Marks’ clemency has the support of Amy Povah, founder of the CAN-DO Foundation, family and friends.