Louisiana rapper Boosie Badazz, born Torence Hatch, is seeking the return of $300,000 from lobbying firm JM Burkman & Associates after they failed to secure a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. According to a report by Notus, Hatch paid the firm $600,000 in 2025 to overturn a federal conviction for possessing a loaded weapon.
The Dispute Over the $600,000 Pardon Fee
Torence Hatch is pursuing the recovery of half his upfront payment through arbitration. The dispute centers on whether JM Burkman & Associates had a contractual obligation to refund $300,000 if no pardon materialized. The firm, led by Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl, disputes this, stating in a statement that “no provision to return half the fee was ever actually agreed to.”
Notus reports that lobbyists told Hatch’s attorneys Trump had already signed the pardon and they were simply awaiting an announcement. However, the Trump White House told Hatch’s attorney it had not received such a request.
Did you know? President to secure pardons for federal crimes.
Boosie Badazz’s Legal Background and Conviction
Hatch’s push for a pardon stemmed from a 2023 incident in San Diego. Police monitoring an Instagram Live video for the Neighborhood Crips street gang located a music video shoot where they observed Hatch with a handgun in his waistband. Because Hatch was already a convicted felon due to a 2011 drug-trafficking conviction, the possession of the loaded pistol led to federal charges.
To avoid prison time, Hatch entered a plea deal. According to court records, he was sentenced to:
- Three years of supervised release
- 300 hours of community service
- A $50,000 fine
Hatch told Notus that when he first contacted the lobbyists, they were “real aggressive” and claimed they had “Trump on speed dial.”
Lobbying Tactics and the Role of Laura Loomer
Jack Burkman claims the firm executed a “massive, highly tailored advocacy campaign” involving Congress, the executive branch, and political influencers. This included attempting to use Trump ally Laura Loomer to reach Natalie Harp, the president’s executive assistant.
When Hatch took the dispute to social media, asking figures like Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Nancy Mace for confirmation of the lobbyists’ efforts, the responses were mixed. Rep. Mace stated her office took one phone call in October but promised nothing. Laura Loomer told Hatch she had “no idea” who he was or what he was talking about, adding that “you can’t pay for a pardon.”
The Track Record of Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman
The lobbyists involved in the Hatch dispute have a history of legal and ethical controversies. In 2022, Wohl and Burkman pleaded guilty in Ohio to running an illegal robocall campaign targeting Black voters. That legal trouble resulted in settlements totaling $1.25m to New York authorities and $5m to the FCC.
Notus also cited reports that the pair attempted to manufacture sexual harassment allegations against former Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Additionally, the firm once misled the Washington Post into reporting a fake FBI raid on Burkman’s home.
Pardon Request Outcomes: A Comparison
| Client | Lobbyist/Lawyer | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Boosie Badazz | JM Burkman & Associates | No pardon; Legal dispute over fees |
| Joseph Schwartz | Joshua Nass / Burkman | Pardon issued |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you legally pay for a presidential pardon?
No. As stated by Laura Loomer in response to Hatch, you cannot pay for a pardon. While individuals can pay lawyers and lobbyists to file petitions and advocate for them, paying for the pardon itself is illegal.
Why is Boosie Badazz suing his lobbyists?
Hatch is seeking the return of $300,000 because he believes there was an agreement to refund half of his $600,000 fee if the pardon was not granted.
What was the original crime Boosie Badazz sought a pardon for?
He sought a pardon for a federal conviction involving the possession of a loaded weapon during a music video shoot in 2023.
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