A $600,000 Gamble on a Presidential Pardon
Louisiana rapper Boosie BadAzz, born Torence Hatch, has launched arbitration proceedings against political lobbyists Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman to recover $300,000. Hatch alleges the pair failed to deliver a presidential pardon from Donald Trump regarding his federal gun possession case, despite his payment of $600,000 for their services.
Claims of Exploitation and Access
In legal filings submitted in March 2026, attorneys for Hatch claim the rapper engaged the services of Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman of JM Burkman & Associates. According to reports from NOTUS, Hatch stated that the lobbyists projected confidence and urgency, telling him that they had direct access to the former president.
Hatch alleges he paid the pair $600,000 based on these assurances. His legal team, led by attorney Jill Craft, argues that the lobbyists capitalized on the rapper’s legal desperation. “When people are in difficult situations, you know, they always want to have hope,” Craft told NOTUS. “And unfortunately, I mean, in this society of ours, there are people who, you know, recognize that in others and prey on it.”
The Disputed Retainer Agreement
The arbitration case hinges on a retainer agreement that allegedly stipulated a 50% refund if the pardon was not secured. Hatch is seeking $300,000, representing the portion of the fee he claims is contractually owed back to him.
Attorneys representing Wohl and Burkman have contested the validity of these claims. They contend that the agreement was never formally signed and have moved for the arbitration case to be dismissed.
White House Clears the Air
The activities of Wohl and Burkman have been explicitly disavowed by those familiar with White House clemency protocols. An unnamed White House official told NOTUS that the administration had no knowledge of the lobbyists and did not support their efforts. The official further warned that the involvement of such individuals in a clemency petition would likely be viewed negatively, stating it would “actively harm their chances” of success.
Resolution of the Underlying Federal Case
The attempted pardon never materialized. Ultimately, the federal gun possession charges against Hatch concluded in January 2026. A judge sentenced the rapper to time served, along with three years of supervised release and a $50,000 fine.
Summary of Proceedings
Why is Boosie BadAzz suing?
Hatch is seeking the return of $300,000 from lobbyists Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, citing a breach of a retainer agreement that allegedly promised a refund if a presidential pardon was not obtained.
Did the lobbyists secure a pardon?
No. A pardon was never granted, and White House officials indicated they had no prior contact with or professional support for the lobbyists involved.
What was the result of the rapper’s federal case?
Hatch avoided further prison time in January 2026, receiving a sentence of time served, three years of supervised release, and a $50,000 fine.
What is the current status of the legal action?
The matter is currently in arbitration, with the lobbyists’ counsel seeking a dismissal on the grounds that the contract in question was never signed.
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