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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 savings and work earnings.
Why it matters: Board members and prosecutors highlighted that the length of Varnes's sentence was substantially increased by multiple mandatory firearm-enhancement terms (four five-year enhancements totaling 20 years). Pierce County Assistant Chief Criminal Deputy Brooke Burbank said while the offense was serious, the cumulative enhancements produced an extremely long sentence and her office declined to oppose (but did not fully endorse) the petition.
What the board heard: Varnes read a prepared statement acknowledging full responsibility for the kidnapping, armed robberies and attempted murder, expressed remorse and described his recovery program and commitment to restitution. Family members and an AA sponsor testified about reentry supports: a father who offered housing and budgeting help, a sister who described the family's shared history, and an AA sponsor who outlined ongoing mentorship.
Board deliberation and conditions: During deliberations, members repeatedly referenced a retired sentencing judge's supportive letter and called the sentencing result "unfair" given statutory enhancement stacking. The board amended a motion to recommend commutation to include a strict no-contact condition with the victim and a requirement that restitution obligations be addressed; board member Aileen Flower seconded the motion and it passed 5'to'0.
Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend commutation for McQueen Varnes with conditions (no contact with victim; restitution obligations to be fulfilled). Ayes: Raymond Delos Reyes (Chair), Doug Baldwin Jr. (Vice Chair), Rhonda Salveson, Kazi Joshua, Aileen Flower. Outcome: Recommended commutation; forwarded to governor.
Next steps: The recommendation and conditions will be transmitted to Governor Ferguson's office for final consideration. The prosecutor noted that if restitution principal is paid, accrued interest can be petitioned to be waived via the Pierce County Superior Court process.
Sources: Testimony and filings submitted to the Clemency and Pardons Board; Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's office statements; DOC classification and financial records referenced at the hearing.
