On Monday, December 21, Governor Mike Parson granted 24 pardons and four commutes to individuals who have demonstrated a changed lifestyle and desire to move on from past behaviors.
Governor Parson says, “If we are to be a society that believes in forgiveness and second chances, then it is the next chapter in these individuals’ lives that will matter most. We are encouraged and hopeful that these individuals will take full advantage of this opportunity.”
These are the first pardons granted by Governor Parson pursuant the authority granted him by the Missouri Constitution, Article IV, Section 7. Official pardon documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and are being sent to the individuals.
In addition to these pardons, Governor Parson has decided to commute three prior drug offenders to house arrest. These offenders were made parole ineligible by a statute that was subsequently repealed by the Missouri General Assembly. Missouri Supreme Court case law holds that the repeal of the statute did not legally apply retroactively to these offenders.
After a home plan is approved by the Parole Board, the three offenders will serve the remainder of their prison terms under supervised house arrest. The Missouri Department of Corrections has notified the offenders receiving this commutation. Governor Parson has also decided to commute the sentence of a female drug offender.
According to a news release, at least one of the commutations is of sentences for an area resident.
Commutations include:
1.) Gary Mitchell commuted to house arrest contingent upon approval of a home plan.
2.) Jason Norman commuted to house arrest contingent upon approval of a home plan.
3.) Darrell Harris commuted to house arrest contingent upon approval of a home plan.
4.) Anne Coke commutation to reduce her sentence from two consecutive 15-year sentences to two consecutive eight-year sentences.
Pardons: 1.) Robert Sutton; 2.) Jennifer Love; 3.) Randy Williams; 4.) Gary Olenhouse; 5.) Darryl Lennard; 6.) Brian Jennings; 7.) Vanessa Harris; 8.) Floyd Ferrell; 9.) Billy Carter; 10.) Rodney Hurst; 11.) Ardester Williams; 12.) Steven Kreeger; 13.) Bruce Orman; 14.) George Humphrey; 15.) Ronald Klingsmith; 16.) Gary Walton Sr.; 17.) Jamie Nanney; 18.) Larry Nolen; 19.) Kathy Hester-Kirksey; 20.) Cyndi Beech-Edgell; 21.) Irby Doyle; 22.) Troy Martin; 23.) Clay Pummil; and 24.) Nathan Lovellette.
Governor Parson has instructed his legal team to continue reviewing clemency files and intends to keep working to reduce the backlog inherited by his administration. At last report, there were 3,695 pending clemency applications.