Trump Commutes Carlos Watson's Prison Sentence Hours Before Surrender

The Ozy Media founder, convicted of fraud and facing a 116-month sentence, has had all penalties lifted through presidential clemency.

Carlos Watson's 116-month prison sentence and $96 million in financial penalties were commuted by President Donald Trump on March 28, 2025.
Watson, convicted of securities fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft in 2024, was en route to surrender to authorities when he learned of the commutation.
The commutation also removed the probation sentence imposed on Ozy Media, Watson's now-defunct digital media company.
Advocates for criminal justice reform, including Glenn Martin and Alice Marie Johnson, supported Watson's clemency request.
The case has reignited debates on the use of executive clemency and claims of racial bias in high-profile prosecutions.