50 signatures reached
To: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Pardon Benjamin Hayford
Dear Mr. President,
I seek immediate consideration by White House staff for your granting a full and unconditional Presidential pardon and restoration of my civil rights in connection with my December 2020 conviction in the U.S. District Court for Northern Oklahoma on charges of bank fraud and false statements to a financial institution.
This request is based on two key points:
(1) Targeting Under False Pretenses: I was unjustly targeted for prosecution by the first Trump Administration due to my political affiliations and opposition to its policies. My longstanding Democratic Party involvement, including my support for Hillary Rodham Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign, made me a political target.
(2) Civil Rights Violations: During the investigation and my imprisonment, my civil rights were repeatedly violated, including instances of religious discrimination, inadequate medical care, and emotional and physical abuse.
The investigation and prosecution were conducted against me under false pretenses as a political enemy during the first Trump Administration, and critical facts were misrepresented, leading to an unjust conviction. These injustices have caused significant damage to my reputation, finances, and health, significantly hindering my ability to rebuild my life. A Presidential pardon is essential to rectifying this wrongful conviction and allowing me to move forward.
While pardons are typically pursued through the Office of the Pardon Attorney five years or more after completion of sentence, I ask that the White House directly review and you grant my request urgently, before the second Trump Administration assumes office on January 20, 2025. Although I am in the process of assembling an Application for Pardon After Completion of Sentence (OMB Number 1123-0016), the standard process will not address the unique and time-sensitive nature of my case.
Under Attorney General William Barr, the first Trump Administration initiated and successfully tested the targeting, investigation, and prosecution of political enemies under false pretenses. The second Trump Administration will further expand and perfect this process, making political persecution even more efficient and widespread.
Early appointment nominees, such as Pam Bondi for Attorney General and Stephen Miller for Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, strongly signal that a second Trump Administration will aggressively pursue the numerous threats made by the former president against those whom he deems political enemies. If Senator John Thune, the next Senate Majority Leader, allows recess appointments as the former president now advocates, then the disturbing and expansive work of Project 2025 will advance even more rapidly, beginning January 20, 2025. The targeting, investigation, and prosecution of political enemies under an Attorney General Bondi will eliminate any remaining barriers to their agenda.
Given these extraordinary circumstances, I respectfully urge you to consider my request in light of both the facts of my case and the principles of equal justice. I hope and pray for a swift and just resolution before the conclusion of your Administration.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
All the best,
Benjamin J. Hayford
Why is this important?
This petition is not just about one individual case; it represents a stand against political persecution and the misuse of prosecutorial power. By joining this campaign, you are supporting the protection of civil liberties and ensuring that justice is not compromised by political affiliations or beliefs.
In the case outlined, Benjamin J. Hayford was targeted due to his political views during the first Trump Administration, facing prosecution under false pretenses. This abuse of power is an alarming signal of what could come if political leaders are allowed to use the justice system to silence and punish their opponents. As a second Trump Administration looms, it is critical to send a message that we will not allow civil rights violations and political targeting to become standard practice in the U.S. legal system.
By supporting this cause, you are advocating for the protection of basic rights, such as freedom of speech and religious freedom — rights that were violated in this case. Standing up now helps prevent future instances where others could be similarly persecuted for their political beliefs. It’s not just about rectifying an unjust conviction; it’s about upholding the principles of democracy and equal justice for all.
This petition offers an opportunity to defend these ideals and ensure that no one, regardless of their political stance, is unfairly targeted by the justice system. By lending your voice, you help fight against the weaponization of government powers and protect the civil rights that are foundational to our society.