WASHINGTON – On his last day in office, President Donald Trump granted pardons to Gregory and Deborah Jorgensen along with a posthumous pardon to Martin Jorgensen.

In 1996, the Jorgensens, of South Dakota, were convicted of selling misbranded beef under the Dakota Lean brand by blending “inferior, commercial beef trim” and selling it as heart-healthy and antibiotic- and hormone-free.

“Governor Kristi Noem and Senator Mike Rounds support clemency for this family, which has an exemplary record of service to their community,” the White House statement said.

The statement went onto say that Gregory was elected twice to the Tripp County Board of Commissioners and spearheaded infrastructure projects to improve access for Native American communities.

The pardon noted that Deborah is a member of a non-profit dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for women and Martin was named National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Businessman of the Year.

“The Jorgensens have shown remorse for their previous action, and in light of decades of exemplary public service, they are well deserving of these pardons,” the statement concluded.