President Trump Rejects Commutation Request of Convicted Sex Trafficker & Former GOP Political Operative Anton Lazzaro
“Today, victims of sexual assault and sex traffickers can breathe a little easier.” – Jeff Anderson
(Saint Paul, MN) – Former Minnesota Republican donor and political operative Anton “Tony” Lazzaro will continue serving his 21-year federal prison sentence after President Trump denied his request for a commutation.
The denial appeared in a July 10 posting by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney, which listed thousands of applications rejected by the President. Lazzaro’s request sought a reduction of the sentence he is serving following his federal conviction for child sex trafficking.
“As we work with the survivors of Anton Lazzaro, there is real fear and even horror that he could be pardoned from his 21-year sentence,” said Jeff Anderson. “We remain grateful to the survivors with whom we work who put him behind bars as we pursue him for the grievous harm he inflicted.”
Lazzaro was convicted in federal court in 2023 on multiple counts related to the sex trafficking of Minor Doe 1. Evidence shows Lazzaro recruited teenage girls through social media, paid them for commercial sex acts, and used gifts, cash, alcohol, and other inducements to exploit vulnerable victims. In 2025, Lazzaro appealed his case to the Supreme Court, arguing that he was charged under constitutionally vague laws and that there were flaws in his trial. The Supreme Court denied review of Lazzaro’s conviction.
“To all of the survivors who have had the courage to come forward, testified, and shared the secret of sorrow they have experienced, we are honored to stand and work with you.” – Jeff Anderson