This petition advocates for Evan Wiles, who has done extraordinary things while incarcerated in a Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution, to be granted commutation.

     Before diving into why I have deemed his accomplishments "extraordinary", allow me to provide a brief background of how Evan landed in prison. According to the affidavit of probable cause, back in 2009 Mr. Wiles, who was injured and on crutches at that time, was said to have been present during a transaction to purchase large quantities of marijuana. The transaction escalated and resulted in one man be shot and ultimately dying while being transported to the hospital. Although it was determined that Mr. Wiles had not shot anyone, he still ended up facing a 20-to-40-year plea deal, based upon his attorney's advice not to gamble the possibility of a life without parole sentence.

     Mr. Wiles expresses deep empathy and compassion for the human life that was lost. While incarcerated, Evan Wiles has vowed to be as productive as possible. His actions are proof of just that. He's doing exactly what he has set out to do. His leadership and devotion in his ventures to help others show how much he cares and his true compassion and character. Most recently, Evan has created a reentry program called Project HOPE in partnership with The Liberation Foundation (TLF), founded by exoneree Terrence Lewis, funded by the University of Pennsylvania, The Davis Project for Peace and The MacArthur Foundation. Project HOPE launched as a pilot in fall 2021. Project HOPE is the first program of its kind to be introduced in Pennsylvania and has quickly gained traction. Approximately 180 returning citizens annually with be enrolled in the program, which covers topics such as housing access, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and other resources that will prevent recidivism and prepare participants for successful transition home. Mr. Wiles also has hopes to expand Project HOPE to support inner-city youth.  

     Mr. Wiles is already an asset to our society with the work he is doing, if granted commutation, his positive impact on the world will surely exceed our imagination. Evan has helped with the starting of the inner-city basketball team Shooting 4 Success in Norh Philadelphia. The team was created to help youths learn to work together, give them the opportunity to see how motivated people are to help them be part of something and how others believe in them as well as keeping them out of trouble.

     Project Hope has completed four 16-week cohorts, implemented it to SCI Muncy, who are starting their second installation. Just recently SCI Dallas has started the sessions there. Evan is constantly proving how his release would be because of his ability to motivate others toward a road to succeed.

Please sign this petition in support of his release- if anyone should be given a second chance. those who make extraordinary strides should earn them. And Evan Wiles is definitely deserving.