Oklahoma woman pardoned by President Biden in new clemency order

WASHINGTON D.C. (KNWA/KFTA) — An Oklahoma woman was pardoned on Thursday by President Biden along with 38 other Americans as part of the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history.

In addition to the 39 pardons, Biden commuted the sentences of 1,500 others. Those commutations were for people who have served at least a year of home confinement following the COVID-19 pandemic. One in every five prisoners had tested positive for the virus during the pandemic, the Associated Press reported in 2020.

Shannan Rae Faulkner, 56, of Muldrow, pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense, according to a report from the White House.

"After successfully serving her sentence, she furthered her education and now works as a counselor and recovery coach with female trauma victims and people with disabilities," the report said.

The White House also said she volunteers with organizations that are dedicated to preventing sexual assault and domestic violence. It added that colleagues attest to Faulkner's inspirational character and impact on those she helps.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.