Success: Human Trafficking Survivor Cyntoia Brown Granted Clemency

Target: Bill Haslam, Governor of Tennessee

Goal: Commend the clemency granted to an imprisoned sex trafficking victim.

A young sex trafficking survivor serving a life sentence for the murder of her alleged attacker has been granted clemency. This ForceChange petition recently brought renewed attention to the plight of 30-year-old Tennessee woman Cyntoia Brown, who was convicted for the 2004 killing of 48-year-old Johnny Allen. Brown, only 16 at the time of the incident, repeatedly claimed she shot the armed man out of fear for her life. Now, the persistent efforts of the ForceChange community and other long-time advocates have helped ensure this survivor’s voice is finally heard.

The young woman was apparently a consistent victim of exploitation before her incarceration. A man with whom she was involved lured her into the sex trafficking industry, where she allegedly endured repeated sexual assaults and beatings. After Allen picked her up for sex, he allegedly became aggressive and brandished his firearms. Brown alleges she shot the man in self-defense.

Despite the mitigating circumstances, Brown’s young age, and her confirmed diagnosis of a disorder that impairs thought and action, the then-teenager received a harsh life sentence. Brown never gave up hope, however. While imprisoned, she worked diligently for a college degree and even became a mentor for her fellow inmates. Outgoing governor Bill Haslam seemingly took the many calls for mercy on Brown’s behalf to heart. On January 7, he commuted the young woman’s sentence to parole, meaning she can be released as early as August. In his remarks, Governor Haslam stated, “Imposing a life sentence on a juvenile that would require her to serve at least 51 years before even being eligible for parole consideration is too harsh, especially in light of the extraordinary steps Ms. Brown has taken to rebuild her life.”

Sign this petition to thank Governor Haslam for his weighted, measured, and compassionate actions to correct a lingering injustice.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Governor Haslam,

Criminal justice reform has come a long way, as evidenced by the increased emphasis on rehabilitation and the focus on once-taboo, in-the-shadows, crimes like human trafficking. The case of Cyntoia Brown emblemizes this progress.

Ms. Brown was victimized by the sex trafficking that has for too long plagued Tennessee, and a faulty system arguably re-victimized her when she stood against her alleged attacker in a desperate act. The young woman did not let an incarceration that stole the most formative years of her life, nor her background of abuse, limit her in any way. Instead, she emerged as a model prisoner and a role model for other troubled youth who may feel at their most hopeless.

Your decision to grant this young woman mercy and a second chance at life as one of your final acts in office speaks to your belief in reform and restoration. Thank you for restoring faith that, in the end, justice will always find its way.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: WKRN