Before leaving office, former President Donald Trump pardoned 74 people and commuted the sentence of 70 others. Included in the list were Deborah, Gregory and Martin Jorgensen
In the 1980s, the Jorgensens marketed and sold processed beef as heart-healthy, antibiotic-free and hormone-free under the Dakota Lean label. When demand outstripped supply, the Jorgensens mixed inferior, commercial beef trim and knowingly sold misbranded beef. They were convicted in 1996 of several counts, including conspiracy and fraudulent sale of misbranded meat.
Since the conviction, Gregory was elected twice to the Tripp County Board of Commissioners in South Dakota and has served the community by establishing infrastructure for the Native American community. Deborah is a lifelong member of a nonprofit dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for women. According to the White House statement, Martin Jorgensen passed away in 2019 and was named National Beef Cattleman’s Association Businessman of the Year.
Gov. Kristi Noem (R) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) supported clemency for the family.
