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Ex-Talk Show Host Carlos Watson Receives Clemency from Trump in Fraud Case
Former talk show host and media executive Carlos Watson, convicted of federal fraud, had his nearly decade-long prison sentence commuted by Donald Trump hours before he was scheduled to report to prison. The presidential clemency spared Watson from serving time for his conviction on Friday.
Clemency Granted En Route to Prison
Watson was en route to the federal correctional institution in Lompoc, California, when he learned of the presidential commutation, as reported by CNBC. Following the announcement, Watson released a statement expressing gratitude to the former president and criticizing Eric Komitee, the Trump-appointed federal judge who delivered his sentence, as “conflicted and unethical.”
Watson’s Statement Expresses Gratitude, Criticizes Judge
“I am deeply thankful to President Trump for rectifying this serious injustice,” Watson stated. “His decision demonstrates his steadfast dedication to impartiality and fairness for individuals who have been unjustly targeted.”
Clemency Amidst Controversy
Watson’s clemency was granted just over two months after Trump previously sparked controversy at the outset of his second presidential term. Then, Trump issued blanket pardons or commutations to 1,500 individuals implicated in the US Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. This attack was carried out by his supporters who were protesting the 2020 presidential election outcome that resulted in Joe Biden’s victory.
Trevor Milton, Nikola Founder, Also Pardoned
Among others who received clemency from Trump on Friday was Trevor Milton, the founder of electric vehicle manufacturer Nikola. Milton, who along with his wife donated nearly $2 million to Trump’s campaign for reelection, had been sentenced to four years in prison for fraud before receiving a pardon from the president.
Fraudulent Activities at Ozy Media
Federal prosecutors for the eastern district of New York pursued the former cable news commentator Watson for allegedly misleading investors and lenders of his startup, Ozy Media. The charges stemmed from accusations of inflating revenue figures between 2018 and 2021. Prosecutors further alleged that Watson fabricated claims of completed business deals that were either nonexistent or not finalized.
Allegations of Deceptive Tactics
Prosecutors asserted that in one instance, an Ozy co-founder impersonated a YouTube executive during a phone call with potential investors. Throughout this call, Watson purportedly provided talking points via text message while secretly listening to the conversation.
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Watson, 55, and Ozy Media, established in 2012 but now defunct, were subsequently indicted and convicted in a July trial for offenses including wire fraud conspiracy. In December, Judge Komitee mandated a prison term of nine years and eight months for Watson. At the sentencing hearing, Komitee stated, “The extent of dishonesty in this case is exceptional.”
Financial Penalties and Company Probation
The judge additionally mandated that Watson and Ozy Media pay $96 million in restitution and forfeiture. The defunct media company was also sentenced to one year of probation.
Prosecutor’s Warning on Fraud
Breon Peace, the US attorney for New York’s eastern district at the time, issued a statement asserting that Watson’s “sentence should serve as a deterrent to those who would perpetrate fraud, demonstrating that justice will be swift and inevitable.”
Peace’s Resignation Preceding Trump’s Actions
Peace, a Biden appointee, resigned from his position in the days preceding Trump’s second presidential inauguration in January.
Clemency Nullifies Penalties
Trump’s action on Friday effectively nullified the penalties imposed on Watson by Judge Komitee. The former president also extended clemency to Ozy Media, thereby eliminating the company’s punishments as well.
Watson Maintains Innocence, Claims “Malicious” Prosecution
Despite the conviction, Watson has consistently maintained his innocence. In his statement on Friday, Watson referenced some of his former company’s achievements, including the Emmy-winning “Black Women OWN the Conversation,” a program he hosted and appeared on for the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Accusations of Competitor Sabotage
He contended that envious competitors orchestrated what Watson described as a “malicious” prosecution. Watson added, “We are prepared to move forward, guided by the lessons I have learned.”