Biden grants clemency to Duluth’s Jim Carlson

On December 12, the White House announced President Biden had issued clemency for around 1500 individuals across the US.

One of those on the list was Duluth’s Jim Carlson, former of the long-shuttered downtown head shop “Last Place on Earth.”

Carlson was convicted on federal drug charges a decade ago and was sentenced to 17 and a half years in prison. Now, according to court documents, he’s been granted clemency.

According to the White House, Carlson, and the rest of the individuals who received clemency had been serving their time at home for at least a year.

St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay took to Facebook to express disappointment over the decision on Carlson.

“The decision to commute the sentence is concerning and frustrating, given the damage caused by Carlson’s actions. It contributed to the spread of addiction, increased crime and hurt the safety of our neighborhoods. Local businesses, bore the brunt of the disorder that stemmed from his illegal activity.” Sheriff Ramsay said in part.