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Pardon board votes to grant Benjamin Ambrose clemency but withholds gun rights restoration
Summary
Benjamin Ambrose received a gubernatorial pardon recommendation from the board but not restoration of firearm rights; supporters cited ministry and outreach work, while the district attorney opposed restoration of firearms due to the violent nature of the original conduct.
Benjamin Ambrose asked the board for a full pardon and restoration of firearm rights. Supporters, including church leaders and community partners, described long-term mentoring and outreach work Ambrose has performed. The district attorney’s office opposed restoration of firearms, citing the violent nature of the underlying conviction.
Board members voted to recommend a pardon while withholding restoration of firearm rights. Board member comments noted the applicant’s transformation and community service but expressed concern about returning firearm privileges given the original offense.
Why it matters: A gubernatorial pardon removes legal disabilities arising from a conviction but does not itself restore firearm rights; the board split restoration from the pardon recommendation.
What’s next: The board’s pardon recommendation will be forwarded to the governor; the restoration of firearm rights would require a separate showing or future petition.
