this post was submitted on 11 Nov 2025
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Mildly Interesting

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Trump pardons trail runner convicted after taking shortcut during record run (www.theguardian.com)
submitted 1 day ago by slothrop@lemmy.ca to c/mildlyinteresting@lemmy.world
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[–] LordMayor@piefed.social 53 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Sunseri received widespread online support after his conviction and appeared on various podcasts telling his story. The hashtag “Free Michelino” also became prominent among the trail running community on social media.

Before the pardon, prosecutors agreed to seek dismissal if Sunseri completed 60 hours of community service and a course on wilderness stewardship, according to Sunseri’s attorneys. He had originally faced a fine of $5,000 and a lifetime ban from Grand Teton National Park.

The guy cheated and violated the National Park rules meant to preserve the Park. On top of that, he’s an “influencer” who was filming the run even though he knew it wasn’t allowed. He was going to get a slap on the wrist.

“Free Michelino”. He wasn’t imprisoned. Maybe, the original punishment of 1000 hours of community service was severe. But, they were trying to send a message because he’s an “influencer“.

If you’re gonna broadcast your life for attention, I think it’s fair to expect full punishment when you break the rules.

[–] deranger@sh.itjust.works 12 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

Where do you see 1000 hours? It says 60 right there in your quote.

Shit, I got caught stealing a DVD once when I was 16 and had to do 60 hours. That’s nothing.

[–] LordMayor@piefed.social 4 points 9 hours ago

Another article on the subject.

As mentioned, Sunseri had proactively contacted the park on September 11, 2024, offering to help close the trail or assist with signage. Those offers were declined, and instead, in early 2025, prosecutors offered a deferred prosecution deal, but with severe terms, including 1,000 hours of community service, reeducation classes, and a five-year ban from Grand Teton National Park.

https://www.irunfar.com/michelino-sunseri-federal-trial-grand-teton-fkt-switchback-cutting-2025