Charlie Javice, the fintech entrepreneur convicted of defrauding JPMorgan Chase, is seeking a presidential pardon as she continues to challenge her conviction. Sources indicate that Javice and associates have reached out to individuals connected to the Trump administration in hopes of securing clemency. The effort comes as the White House reportedly considers a plan for President Donald Trump to issue pardons in conjunction with the United States' 250th anniversary, although Javice’s name has not appeared on any formal list of pardon requests submitted to the Justice Department.

Javice was sentenced in September to over seven years in prison after a jury found her guilty on four counts of fraud related to the sale of her college financial aid startup, Frank, to JPMorgan in 2021 for $175 million. Prosecutors said she intentionally doctored customer data, inflating the company’s user base from a fraction to purportedly four million, to induce JPMorgan to buy the company. The bank’s CEO, Jamie Dimon, and JPMorgan have faced substantial scrutiny and legal costs as a result of the acquisition.

Throughout the legal process, Javice and her lawyers have maintained that the prosecution was unfair. Her defense team alleged that the Department of Justice colluded with JPMorgan, citing selective sharing of documents and coordinated legal strategies against her. They also argued that Javice was prejudiced by being tried alongside her co-executive, Olivier Amar, claiming that the dual trial led to reciprocal damaging testimony.

Despite the conviction, Javice retains the support of some early backers, including Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan. Rowan, who invested in Frank and testified on her behalf during the trial, submitted a letter to the presiding judge requesting leniency, emphasizing Javice’s potential future contributions. Earlier this year, JPMorgan initiated a lawsuit against a trust controlled by Rowan, seeking to recover funds he profited from the Frank transaction. The lawsuit was resolved with undisclosed terms.

In addition to the criminal case, Javice faces ongoing legal challenges, including a civil suit from the Securities and Exchange Commission and a dispute with JPMorgan over contested legal fees. Javice’s spokesperson reiterated her focus on pursuing appeals of the verdict as the pardon discussions continue. White House officials have noted that ultimately, decisions on clemency rest with President Trump.