Startup CEO Charlie Javice is reportedly angling for a Trump pardon

Charlie Javice, the founder of the now-defunct startup Frank, is reportedly exploring the possibility of obtaining a presidential pardon. According to sources close to the situation, she is discreetly reaching out to individuals associated with the Trump administration for support. However, her name has not yet appeared on any official clemency request lists at the Justice Department, which are rapidly expanding. As the Biden administration considers granting approximately 250 pardons this summer in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, a surge of clemency applications has emerged from various white-collar defendants, including notable figures like Sam Bankman-Fried. The implications of these developments are particularly concerning for JPMorgan, which acquired Frank for $175 million. In September, Javice was convicted of inflating her startup's worth by fabricating millions of customer accounts. She is currently serving over seven years in prison and is appealing her conviction, contending that the prosecution was biased against her. The situation is further complicated by JPMorgan's strained relationship with former President Trump, especially after the bank severed ties with Trump and his businesses following the January 6 Capitol riot, an action Trump has labeled as political discrimination. He has since filed a $5 billion lawsuit against JPMorgan and its CEO, Jamie Dimon, alleging political motives behind their decisions. Javice’s network includes influential supporters like Marc Rowan of Apollo, an early investor in Frank who testified on her behalf during her trial. Rowan has a history of contributing to Trump's campaigns and has also donated significant amounts to Republican congressional committees since Trump’s reelection.