July 7, 2020
Honorable Ralph S. Northam
Governor of Virginia
Office of the Governor
State Capital, 3rd Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
RE: Darlene Opoku
Dear Governor Northam,
I am writing this letter to recommend a pardon for Darlene Opoku, whom I have known personally for 17
years. Though I am not a relative by birth or by marriage, I know Darlene is a law-abiding citizen of good
character.
I have known Darlene in a variety of capacities as she and I attended undergraduate school together in 2003 at
Strayer University, which is where we forged our relationship. In the 17 years that I have known Darlene, she
has always been a woman of virtue, resilience, and determination.
I write this recommendation with full knowledge of Darlene's conviction of a felony in 1989 at the age of 18,
for distribution of a controlled substance, worth $50, and sentencing to 6 years in prison. Darlene has shared
with me the remorse of her actions that still impact her life today.
Darlene has worked very hard to rehabilitate herself. She has not allowed the consequences of a youthful
mistake to deter her from striving to improve the quality of life for herself and her family. Darlene returned to
college, received her Associate degree in Business Administration, and later obtained her real estate license.
She is a well-known and respected businesswoman in the community, and she has my full support.
In closing, I am requesting that you give Darlene the opportunity of a second chance by granting her clemency.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Respectfully,
Monaé Nickerson
Vice-Mayor Dumfries, VA
HonMNickerson@DumfriesVA.gov