Nationwide — Emory Jones, a longtime friend and business associate of Jay-Z, has received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump more than two decades after his federal drug conviction. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine in 1999 and later served nearly 16 years in federal prison. After his release, he rebuilt his career and eventually took on leadership roles in Jay-Z’s business ventures.
Alice Marie Johnson announced the pardon this week, saying Jones was one of 30 people who received clemency after their cases were reviewed. Johnson, who Trump pardoned in 2020 after she served prison time for a nonviolent drug offense, now works with the White House on clemency matters. She said Jones “came home determined to build a different life” after his time behind bars, according to Fox News.
Jones’ federal case dates back to 1999, when he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. A year later, a judge sentenced him to 188 months in federal prison, or nearly 16 years, followed by five years of supervised release. He later sought a sentence reduction, with his legal team submitting letters from people who knew him and supported his return to society.
Jay-Z was among those who wrote to the judge on his behalf. In his letter, Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, said he planned to offer Jones a job with Roc Apparel Group after his release. He described him as intelligent, hardworking, and good with people. Jay-Z also said he wanted Jones to join his organization as soon as possible and believed he could make a valuable contribution.
A judge ultimately reduced Jones’ sentence in 2009 from 188 months to 151 months, cutting 37 months from the original term. Jones continued to acknowledge his responsibility for the conviction while highlighting the support he received from people close to him. He also wrote about his desire to make the most of the opportunity he would have after prison.
Since his release, Jones went on to build a career in entertainment and fashion. He now serves as head of lifestyle at Roc Nation and has an executive role at Paper Planes, the fashion brand he co-founded with Jay-Z in 2014. Trump’s pardon gives him a full presidential clemency after years of rebuilding his life and career following his federal conviction.