10/13/2026
Clemency Hearing for Decorated Air Force Veteran
Jim Pavatt has Widespread Support from Veterans Calling for Mercy
Oklahoma City – Tomorrow the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board will hold a clemency hearing at 9:00 a.m. local time for Jim Pavatt, a 21-year Air Force veteran with a November 12 ex*****on date—the day after Veterans’ Day.
Close to 100 U.S. military veterans have signed onto a letter of support submitted to the board calling for mercy for Jim, who rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and was decorated for his outstanding service to the country.
“It is our understanding that the story of his long military service was not presented to the jury. And it is a story worth hearing,” the letter reads. “Master Sergeant Pavatt’s contributions go far beyond that of the ‘average’ serviceman of his, or any other, era.”
Letters of support:
Leave No One Behind https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zrnOvDe0ksR_-0BfpomF0SPELfPMxGkb/view?usp=sharing
Veterans for Peace https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m_-F_4Wc2PFST2AXj_P0VPGPO-8DFXZL/view?usp=sharing
“The Veterans who are raising their voices to urge Oklahoma state leaders to spare Jim’s life in recognition of his distinguished and selfless military service to the United States represent an estimated 750 years of combined military service to this Country,” said Hunter Labovitz, Assistant Federal Public Defender. “These voices include Generals, one of whom was the Air Force Chief of Staff. We hope that the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board will heed their call, and prevent the travesty of justice that would result if Jim is executed the day after Veterans’ Day by the state and country that he so honorably served.”
Jim Pavatt’s petition for clemency can be found at this link: Jim Pavatt Petition for Clemency
For more information, here is case background material.
When: Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 a.m. Central Time
Where: Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, 4345 N. Lincoln Blvd., Suite 1082, OKC
What: Pavatt Clemency Hearing
Livestream: https://doc-ok.zoomgov.com/j/1614431624
For more information, contact Hunter S Labovitz, Assistant Federal Defender, 405-609-5975, [email protected].
About Us
The Federal Public Defender Organization for the Western District of Oklahoma provides legal services to people accused of violations of federal criminal law in the Western District of Oklahoma. We also represent people in all three Federal Districts who were convicted in Oklahoma and sentenced to death. Before we can assist anyone with legal advice and services, we must be appointed by a Federal Judge.
