Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Clemency Board Unanimously Recommends Commutation for McQueen Varnes, Adds No-Contact and Restitution Conditions
Summary
The Clemency and Pardons Board voted 5'to'0 to recommend commutation for McQueen Varnes (also referenced as Barnes in filings), citing disproportionate enhancement time and documented rehabilitation, with conditions including strict no-contact with the victim and fulfillment of restitution obligations.
The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board unanimously voted to recommend a commutation for McQueen Varnes, forwarding the board's recommendation to Governor Ferguson with two explicit conditions: a strict no-contact requirement with the victim (Mr. Rivera) and a direction that restitution obligations be fulfilled.
Counsel Heather Kelly (representing the petitioner) described Varnes's decades-long rehabilitation, including years in Alcoholics Anonymous, educational and vocational work inside prison, family support and a plan for employment and housing if released. Kelly said court financial records show approximately $183,000 listed as restitution liability and that Varnes has paid about $8,000 from prison…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
