Clemency Granted: Sex Trafficking Victim To Be Released On Parole Supervision

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has granted clemency to Cyntoia Denise Brown, who is serving a life sentence for killing a man who bought sex from her at the age of 16.

Brown, who is now 30, will be released on parole supervision on Aug. 7 after serving 15 years behind bars, according to Haslam. She will stay on parole for another 10 years.

“This decision comes after careful consideration of what is a tragic and complex case,” Haslam said.

"Cyntoia Brown committed, by her own admission, a horrific crime at the age of 16. Yet, 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.

"Transformation should be accompanied by hope. So, I am commuting Ms. Brown’s sentence, subject to certain conditions,” he said.

Brown must participate in ongoing counseling sessions and perform a minimum of 50 hours of community service, which includes working with at-risk youth, the Tennessean reported. She will also need to find employment.

Brown was charged with killing Johnny Mitchell Allen in 2004 after she said he had solicited her for sex and took her to his house. Allegedly, Brown shot Allen in the back of the head while he was sleeping, stole money and guns, took his truck, and left the scene of the crime, CNN reported.

Prosecutors at the time argued that the killing was driven by robbery and not self-defense. Brown has maintained that she was scared for her life and took the money because she feared her pimp “Cut Throat” if she returned empty-handed.

Brown was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery and sentenced to life in prison.

The controversial sentencing sparked much debate as the punishment for a teenage sex trafficking victim was seen as harsh. Brown’s case picked up support from the likes of Amy Schumer, Kim Kardashian West, Ashley Judd, and several Tennessee legislators. Since the time that Brown was convicted, Tennessee changed the laws for sentencing juveniles.

Brown has worked diligently to improve her life in prison. She mentors troubled youth, is working on a college degree, and is planning a nonprofit so she can help others. Brown even received an associate’s degree from Lipscomb University in 2015 and has been working towards her bachelor’s degree all while in prison.

Without clemency from Gov. Haslam, Brown would not have been eligible for parole until 2055. She would have been 69. The Tennessee Board of Parole provided a positive recommendation to the governor favoring the commutation of Brown.

“While we have spent a considerable amount of time studying and implementing sentencing and criminal justice reform in our state, there is more work to be done,” Haslam said. “I am hopeful serious consideration of additional reforms will continue, especially with respect to the sentencing of juveniles.”

During office, Haslam has granted five commutations, 15 pardons, and one exoneration.