President George W. Bush has issued pardons to 14 people and commuted the prison sentences of two others. The pardons, announced Monday, include individuals convicted on such acts as bank embezzlement, making false statements to the federal government, unlawfully killing wildlife, and committing drug offenses.

Andrew Harley of Falls Church, Va., was pardoned for wrongful use and distribution of marijuana and cocaine, Leslie Collier of Charleston, Mo., was pardoned after conviction of unauthorized use of a registered pesticide, Obie Helton of Rossville, Ga., was pardoned after conviction on charges of acquiring food stamps without proper permission and sentenced to two years' probation in 1983. John Walker Lindh, the so-called “American Taliban” captured in Afghanistan was among those who have appealed to Bush for pardons. So was former Olympic track and field champion Marion Jones, who served a six-month sentence for lying in a federal investigation about steroid use.

Rapper John Forte, who was sentenced in 2001 to 14 years for drug smuggling, received one of the commutations. Forte has been scheduled for release Dec.22.

It was rumoured that President Bush might issue blanket pardons to government officials and intelligence officers involved in counterterrorism programs such as al Qaeda interrogations. These pardons would protect them from criminal prosecution.

Including Monday’s pardons, over seven years in office, Mr. Bush has granted 171 pardons and commuted eight sentences. Under the U.S. constitution, the presidents can grant pardons and shorten sentences. Former President Bill Clinton had granted 396 pardons and 61 commutations.