In Washington, Percy Levy, who was granted clemency by former Governor Jay Inslee in 2019, was arrested on nearly a dozen drug and weapons charges. The arrest was made by the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force after a 16-month investigation. Levy was apprehended during a traffic stop in Everett, and a subsequent search of his home led to the discovery of a significant amount of drugs, including cocaine and fentanyl, as well as a handgun and other drug paraphernalia. He was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and multiple counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver.
Levy was charged with 11 Class B Felony charges and is currently being held on a $1.5 million bond. His criminal history dates back to when he was just 13 years old, and he spent 17 years in prison following a 2002 arrest for a drug house robbery. Despite his past, Inslee granted him clemency in 2019, a decision that came after the reclassification of possession of controlled substances as a misdemeanor in the State v. Blake ruling in 2021.
Following his release from prison and clemency, Levy worked on criminal justice reform efforts for six years. He served as a community outreach specialist for the Washington Defender Association and started Redemption Auto, a car dealership in Everett. Additionally, Levy sits on the board as treasurer for the Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County chapter. Despite these efforts, Levy’s recent arrest on drug and weapons charges has raised questions about his involvement in criminal activities despite his advocacy for criminal justice reform.
The arrest and charges against Levy come at a time when there is heightened scrutiny around criminal justice reform and the impact of clemency decisions. The matter remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office, and Levy’s arrest has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of clemency in addressing underlying issues related to criminal behavior. Additionally, the seizure of a large quantity of drugs and a firearm from Levy’s home highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing drug trafficking and illegal possession of weapons in communities across Washington.
The case of Percy Levy serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding criminal justice reform and the challenges of balancing efforts to support rehabilitation and reintegration with concerns about public safety. Despite his involvement in criminal activities and subsequent arrest, Levy’s advocacy work and efforts towards reform highlight the potential for individuals to make positive contributions to their communities following their involvement in the criminal justice system. However, incidents like this also underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and support for individuals who have been granted clemency to ensure that they do not engage in criminal activities once again.
