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Congressman Cohen Welcomes Haslam’s Grant of Clemency for Cyntoia Brown

January 7, 2019

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today welcomed Governor Bill Haslam's grant of clemency in the case of Cyntoia Brown, a juvenile victim of sex trafficking, who has been serving a life sentence for murder. Congressman Cohen wrote to Governor Haslam on December 10 asking him to give consideration to clemency in the case given the unique circumstances. See that letter here.

Congressman Cohen also made the following statement:

"This was a case involving a 16-year-old runaway who was a victim of sex trafficking, was with a john, and was tried as an adult. I praise Governor Haslam for giving the case the attention it deserved and, after a thorough review, reaching the conclusion that clemency is appropriate for a model prisoner. His was a merciful and just decision and I commend him for making it. I also want to commend state Rep. London Lamar, House Minority Leader Karen Camper and state Senators Katrina Robinson and Raumesh Akbari for seeking justice for Cyntoia Brown."