Washington Clemency Board Recommends Denial of Rebecca Rose’s Pardon

The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board recommended on Dec. 11 that Governor’s office deny a pardon petition from Rebecca Rose, a respiratory therapist who requested relief for a 2012 conviction. The board voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend denial.

Rose, appearing pro se, told the board she had taken responsibility for her conduct and described steps she has taken toward sobriety. “As of December 6, I have 10 months of sobriety,” she said, and described professional and housing setbacks she attributed to her criminal record, including denials of licensure and travel assignments in multiple states.

But prosecutors and several board members said recent conduct undercut Rose’s request. Cheryl Johnson, assistant chief of the criminal division at the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office, told the board her office opposed the pardon, citing what she called a pattern of alcohol‑related offenses and concerns about public safety. “I believe that she represents a danger to the community,” Johnson said.

Board members asked Rose about prior convictions and a 2022 impairment charge that Rose acknowledged. Several members said the recency of that incident and the pattern of related behavior made it difficult to recommend the extraordinary remedy of a pardon. Vice Chair Doug Baldwin Jr. and others acknowledged Rose’s efforts at recovery but emphasized the board must be confident that public safety is protected before recommending clemency.

Chair Raymond Delos Reyes moved to recommend denial and the board approved the motion without dissent. The board’s recommendation is advisory; the governor makes the final decision.

The board closed the hearing after the vote and thanked Rose and the county prosecutor for their participation. No witnesses were presented on Rose’s behalf.