Russell Fincher - PARDONED!

Full Presidential Pardon - Russell Fincher Jake speaks with Russell Fincher about the federal raid, the felony conviction that upended his life, and the full presidential pardon he says he received from Donald Trump. The conversation covers what happened to his career, his family, and his church community, plus what the pardon changes and what still remains unresolved. In this episode: Russell Fincher recounts being a pastor, former school teacher, and occasional gun show vendor before the raid that changed everything. He describes the SWAT-style operation at his home, the fear for his 12-year-old son, and the trauma of being handcuffed in front of his family. Russell explains how the felony conviction affected his ability to work, including repeated job rejections despite having a master's degree. He shares how his church supported him, refused his resignation, and kept him in the pastorate through the legal battle. Russell details receiving a full and unconditional presidential pardon, including the moment his attorney called with the news. He says the pardon erased the felony from his record and removed the indictment from the official case screen. The discussion touches on outreach from James Langford's office and the role of Senator Markwayne Mullin in supporting the pardon effort. Jake and Russell talk about the firearms taken during the raid and the lingering question of whether any will be returned. Russell reflects on the long wait for relief, saying he believes God remained faithful even when the timing was not his own. The episode closes with talk about Russell possibly returning to public education now that the felony has been wiped away. Timestamps: (00:00) Jake introduces Russell Fincher and frames the major update (01:16) Russell recaps life before the raid as a pastor, teacher, and gun show vendor (01:46) The ATF raid at his home and the fear it caused his family (02:53) How the felony conviction threatened his career and livelihood (03:33) Job searches, rejection, and the reality of being "felony friendly" (04:32) The one employer who looked past the record and gave him work (05:28) Why his church refused to accept his resignation (06:26) How church support helped him survive the lowest point (07:39) Reading the presidential pardon and hearing the words "full and unconditional" (08:18) The attorney's call and the moment Russell realized it might be real (09:23) Confirmation from White House staff and the pardon being verified (10:46) Russell's long relationship with James Langford and the pardon effort (12:44) Support from Senator Langford and Senator Markwayne Mullin (13:44) Timeline of the raid and how long the case dragged on (14:10) Why the confiscated firearms still matter after the pardon (15:23) Russell says the wait taught him to trust God's timing (17:03) A call for real justice and reform beyond the pardon (21:10) Whether Russell plans to return to teaching (23:08) Final reflections on hope, testimony, and continued advocacy (25:12) Jake quotes the First Amendment and argues for petitioning the government (29:29) Closing thanks and final sign-off   CHECK OUT MY AMAZING SPONSORS:  BRUSHFIRES CLOTHING COMPANY https://brushfiresclothing.com   ENJ Financial ENJ Financial takes a personal approach to financial planning. Their team works to understand your unique needs, priorities, and long-term goals, then helps you develop, implement, and monitor a financial strategy designed specifically for your situation. Learn more about ENJ Financial at: https://www.enjfinancial.com/ ___________________________________________________________________   Motus Health https://motushealth.com From spinal and knee decompression, functional neurology, weight loss support, neuropathy treatment, and personalized nutraceutical supplementation— they help you restore brain function, reduce inflammation, and reclaim your vitality. Visit MotusHealth.com today to schedule your consultation and start feeling your best! Motushealth.com or call (405) 494-0165 ."  ___________________________________________________________________   Stevens Trucking With over 1,600 trailers, we are able to offer a drop-and-hook solution to keep your freight moving quickly and secure. While also helping our drivers get extra miles so they can keep on pullin' more loads. https://stevenstrucking.com