Joe Lewis, British billionaire and the former owner of Tottenham Hotspur, who pleaded guilty to insider trading in 2024, is set to receive a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.

Lewis, the founder of the international private investment organization Tavistock Group, was fined $5 million by a New York judge after pleading guilty in January 2024 to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and two counts of securities fraud. Due to his age of 88, as well as health and other factors, he has not served any jail time and was sentenced to three years of probation in April 2024.

Since his 2024 sentencing, Lewis, a United Kingdom citizen and resident of the Bahamas, has been living in the Bahamas. At the time of his guilty plea, Lewis was aware that he would have to leave the United States, and his conviction meant that he could not return to see his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom live in the U.S.

Despite receiving a presidential pardon, the Lewis family's ownership of Tottenham is not expected to change. The family trust continues to control the English Premier League team, and according to The Athletic, they remain committed to the club. Vivienne Lewis, the daughter of the family, is often seen attending games.

Joe Lewis said in a statement to The Athletic: "I am pleased all of this is now behind me, and I can enjoy retirement and watch as my family and extended family continue to build our businesses based on the quality and pursuit of excellence that has become our trademark."

According to The Athletic, the Lewis family is "extremely grateful" for the pardon and would like to thank Trump for his decision. A significant factor in the pardon is that Lewis can now re-enter the United States and return to Florida, where much of his family resides.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump set to pardon former Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis

Reporting by Elizabeth Flores, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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