Governor's Pardon Advisory Board hears clemency pleas, moves to closed session to deliberate

The Governor's Pardon Advisory Board met July 12 in a livestreamed hearing to hear public statements from multiple pardon applicants and to take questions from board members. Leslie Frihill, deputy legal counsel to Governor Evers, opened the session and explained that each applicant would have three to five minutes to summarize their offense, describe what they have done since completing their sentence and explain why they believe a pardon is warranted. The board said it had reviewed applications in advance and that final recommendations would be made in closed session, after which the governor will make the ultimate decision.

Applicants who spoke ranged from people convicted decades ago to more recent cases. Darren Durant Johnson described an arson conviction from 1995, said he had completed counseling and long-term volunteer work with youth and schools, and told the panel that wiping the conviction from his record would allow him to seek administrative roles in education. "I did the work right away, and I knew what my problem was," Johnson told the board, adding that he has coached and supported students for years.

Several applicants emphasized rehabilitation through work, education or community service. Colby McReynolds, who said he drove while intoxicated in 2008 and killed a close friend, described repeated public speaking to high school groups and mentoring as part of his efforts to prevent similar tragedies: "I think I did everything that was ever required of me," he said, adding that he uses his experience in outreach to young people. Edgar Gonzales, who listed several past drug convictions and a misdemeanor sexual-contact charge, expressed "deep remorse" and outlined nonprofit and interpreter work he has done in his community since release.

Board members asked applicants about restitution, letters of support and post-release activities. For example, a member questioned a witness about restitution amounts and whether it had been paid; another asked why a previously self-described lack of awareness about an incident changed in a later application. Frihill reminded applicants that the district attorney's office reviews applications and that the governor is the final decision-maker; she also told applicants they would be notified of decisions in about one to two months.

Near the end of the public session the board made a formal motion to move into closed session "pursuant to Wisconsin statutes 19.85(1)(a), (d), and (f) for purposes of deliberations concerning a case which is before the board, for purposes of considering specific applications, and for purposes of considering financial, medical, social, or personal histories of specific persons." The motion was moved by a committee member, seconded by Anthony Cooper Sr., and carried after no member voiced opposition. The livestream paused as the board went into closed session to deliberate and determine recommendations to the governor.

What happens next: the board will deliberate privately and then notify applicants of the governor's decision, which Frihill said should be issued in roughly one to two months. Because deliberations and votes on specific applications occurred in closed session, the public record from this hearing consists principally of the applicants' statements and the procedural motion to enter closed session.

Authorities referenced: the board cited Wisconsin statutes on closed sessions (Wis. Stat. §19.85). The public portion of the hearing concluded with the vote to move into closed session, at which point the board paused the livestream.