For the first time since 2016, Waterloo native Austin Bertch is free. On Friday, his ankle monitor, which he had been wearing since 2021, came off following President Joe Biden's landmark announcement granting clemency to nearly 1,500 federal offenders. Among the 1,499 commutations and 39 pardons, 37 of the recipients hailed from Iowa.
"It's good to hear, good to see. Obviously the weight of it isn't as big as if it had been a couple of years ago. I thank God for the early release; even if it only means a couple of weeks, I’d take one day, a couple of hours, whatever God does is a blessing," Bertch expressed.
Bertch was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, stemming from his involvement with a drug trafficking operation. He was one of ten individuals arrested as part of the investigation, which, according to authorities, distributed 250 pounds of meth across northern Iowa between 2013 and 2015.
Reflecting on his past choices, Bertch admits, "I got involved in drug dealing due to my addiction and making wrong decisions with the wrong people." He has taken responsibility for his actions, acknowledging the harm he caused to people and families within his community. "I know I affected people and harmed lives. I've repented and asked for forgiveness over this. It leads to a bigger picture of where we are today, versus back then," he said.
Like many others who received clemency, Bertch's sentence was reduced due to COVID-19's impact on the prison system. Initially confined to prison, he was allowed to finish his sentence under home confinement, with the official end date for his incarceration set for January, just weeks before Biden's significant announcement.
Bertch believes his release could open doors for others as well. "This maybe opened a door to say there are people in prison who are coming out who are good men or good women; just because you've made mistakes doesn't mean you can't turn your life around," he stated.
During his time on home confinement, Bertch has achieved several milestones: he graduated college, started his career, and got married. He and his wife are expecting their first child together, marking another step forward on his path of rehabilitation.
Despite his newfound freedom, none of the other individuals arrested alongside Bertch received the same clemency benefits. Bertch's case highlights the broader narrative of Biden’s clemency initiative, which has been viewed as part of efforts to rectify past mass incarceration and support rehabilitation.
Overall, the story of Austin Bertch is one of redemption and hope. It serves as a reminder of the potential for transformation even after significant personal failures. Bertch's statements and personal experiences may resonate for many who see the impact of addiction and crime not just as individual issues, but community challenges. His future aspirations suggest he hopes to be part of the solution, advocating for those who are still incarcerated.
