Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles grants most pardon requests, denies one after victim testimony

The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles convened a virtual absolute-pardon hearing on Jan. 7, 2026, and granted pardons to most applicants heard that day while denying a high-profile request after emotional victim testimony.

Chairperson Nancy Turner opened the session by reminding applicants that a board pardon is “neither a finding of innocence nor an exoneration” and that any tentative grant is subject to record checks by the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification. Officer Dickey, the hearing coordinator, explained procedural rules for testimony, swearing, and the order of cases; most applicants were heard individually and briefly, often accompanied by counsel.

Applicants described varied paths to rehabilitation. Travis Golden, who told the board he has been sober for a decade and is active as a father and community volunteer, received a full and absolute pardon. Attorney statements and applicant testimony emphasized long intervals since the last convictions, steady employment, education or completion of offender-treatment programs, and ongoing community service. The board repeatedly cited letters of support and program completion as factors favoring relief.

Not all cases were straightforward. In the hearing for Nate Sabo, several victims delivered extended testimony about the enduring psychological and life effects of sexual assaults they said he committed decades earlier. One victim told the board, “He took things from me that cannot ever be restored,” describing long-term anxiety and trauma. Board members said the victims’ statements were critically important to their deliberations. After discussion, the board voted to deny Sabo’s application, citing the seriousness of the offenses and lasting harm to victims.

The board flagged a handful of cases in which members split on whether to grant a pardon. In the case of Melinda Lester, for example, board member Aileen Keyes voiced continuing concerns about unresolved questions arising from earlier child-welfare investigations; the motion to grant passed 2–1. In other contested hearings the panel discussed restitution, outstanding driving or criminal-history records, and whether applicants had sustained stable recovery supports since supervision ended.

Votes at a glance: the board repeatedly moved and voted on individual motions to "grant a full and absolute pardon" or to "deny" as recorded on the public stream. Examples recorded in the hearing record include: Wilfredo Torres — pardoned; Travis Golden — pardoned; Toronto (Tyrone) Mullings — pardoned; Omar Ryan — pardoned; Roberta Hapgood — pardoned; Melinda Lester — pardoned (2–1); James Tillman — pardoned; Christopher Hall — pardoned; Jaquan Hill — pardoned; John LeBullier — pardoned; Kijoki (Gigi) Jackson — pardoned; Nate Sabo — denied (3–0); Christopher Booth — pardoned; Sean Gregoire — pardoned; Devane Koch — pardoned (2–1); Edward Downer — pardoned; and additional applicants later in the docket were similarly granted pardons or continued. The official docket and board minutes list each motion and the recorded vote.

Chair Turner closed the hearing by reminding applicants that any tentative pardons are not final until state police record checks are complete and that certificates will be mailed when processing finishes. The board adjourned after completing the docket; applicants were told they will also receive email notification within one week and that public results would be posted on the board’s website within 48 hours.

What happens next: granted pardons are provisional pending verification of criminal-history clearance (the chair warned this process can take several weeks). Applicants denied relief may reapply in the future; the board’s recorded deliberations identify specific concerns applicants can address if they seek reconsideration.