“Going from a small house to a big house and now to the White House is unbelievable,” Jason Hernandez said of his second chance at life.
McKINNEY, Texas — This week President Joe Biden granted pardons and pardons to 16 people convicted of non-violent drug crimes.
One of those pardoned is Jason Hernandez, 47, of McKinney. Jason was arrested for drug crimes at the age of 21 and sentenced to life in prison plus 320 years. In 2013, then-President Barack Obama commuted his life sentence and granted him a full pardon after more than a decade.
“I just said, 'Oh my God, my God,'” he recalled saying in a phone conversation with U.S. pardon attorneys this week.
Hernandez has come a very long way to restore his image and reputation within the community. Upon his return from prison, he vowed to return to his hometown of the East Side and rewrite his story.
“I don't know how many chances everyone should get, but I know they get two chances,” said friend Patrick Cloutier, a McKinney city councilman.
Jason now runs a nonprofit called La Tiendita out of the store where he sold drugs as a boy.
According to a White House press release, “His hometown mayor, other city officials, colleagues, and community members would like to acknowledge the changes in Mr. Hernandez's character since his conviction and the significant contributions he has made to his community. His testimony was uniform, he was humble and naturally giving.”
Close friends Kim Hughes, Patrick Cloutier and Oscar Garza were among the few who immediately called Jason after they learned of his pardon last week.
“I saw something in him that said he was different,” Hughes said. “The whole world sees him as the right guy,” Cloutier said.
Oscar Garza of OG's Chop Shop in McKinney went to school with Jason's brother from an early age. When Jason left Half House, they both wanted to do something good for the community. One of his events that the two have partnered on is the “Back-to-School Cuts for Success” event, which has been held at the beginning of the school year for the past 12 years.
“I think that's what drives him to serve the community every day,” Garza said.
When Garza received a call from Hernandez saying he was scheduled to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris last week and needed a new haircut, he immediately opened the barbershop.
This new development is a big step for Hernandez. Now that the felony is removed from his record, he can do many things he couldn't do before, such as traveling abroad and applying for all kinds of jobs. Hernandez isn't sure what he wants to do next, but he has some interest in teaching.
“I can't believe I went from a crack house to a big house and now to the White House,” Jason laughed.
