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Ronald L. Rodgers

Pardon Attorney, Justice Department

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Why He Matters

As pardon attorney, Rodgers investigates and reviews the president's requests for executive clemency for federal criminal offenses.

He is responsible for recommending a final decision on such pardon requests to the deputy attorney general. That is, for giving his opinion on whether the offender should receive a pardon, a commutation of his sentence, or a reduction in his fine or penalty.

More on: Ronald L. Rodgers

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At a Glance

  • Career History: Director, Drug Intelligence Unit (September 2005-April 2008); member, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, Drug Intelligence Unit (March 1999-September 2005); Circuit and Deputy Judge, Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary (1995-1999)
  • Alma Mater: U.S. Naval Academy (1977); University of Dayton School of Law (1983)
  • DC Office: 1425 New York Ave. NW Suite 11000
  • Web site www.justice.gov/pardon
 

Path To Power

Rodgers graduated in 1977 from the U.S. Naval Academy, then attended the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College before graduating summa cum laude from the University of Dayton School of Law.

He then served on active duty in the Marine Corps, working as a prosecutor, defense counsel, trial advocacy instructor and most recently as circuit and deputy judge of the Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary.

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The Issues

Rodgers inherited an office the Washington Post called saddled with "substantial backlogs" of nearly 2,000 requests for pardons and commutations.

Two years later, the office remained under fire for its "dearth of commutations."

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The Network

At Justice, Rodgers worked closely with Attorney General Eric Holder and in 2010, submitted most of his recommendations on pardon applications to Acting Deputy Attorney General Gary Grindler.

 

Campaign Contributions

Rodgers does not appear in OpenSecrets.org's campaign contribution database.

 

Additional Resources

  1. Palazzolo, Joe. "Despite Efforts, Pardon System Still Unchanged." MainJustice.com, April 20, 2010.
  2. "Justice Department Announces Appointment..." Justice.gov.
  3. Johnson, Carrie. "Awaiting New Pardon Attorney: Backlog, And Chance to Make Mark." WashingtonPost.com, May 27, 2008.
  4. "Justice Department Announces Appointment..." Justice.gov