Seven inmates in Kansas have been granted clemency and released from prison, as Governor Laura Kelly made the announcement in Topeka.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly made an announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 6, stating that she has granted clemency to seven individuals. Among them, two incarcerated individuals had their sentences commuted, while five others received pardons.
Gov. Kelly decided after conducting independent reviews by the Prisoner Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.
“I don’t take the granting of commutations and pardons lightly,” Kelly emphasized. “After carefully vetting numerous applications, it was determined that these individuals have shown their dedication to making amends and positively contributing to society. Commutation can be a means to rectify cases where the sentence imposed is disproportionately harsh or where a miscarriage of justice has occurred, ensuring a fairer outcome. In exceptional situations where the criminal justice system has failed to consider mitigating factors surrounding an individual’s alleged crime, including during sentencing, commutations offer a second chance to those who have faced unimaginable circumstances at the time of their offense.”
According to the Governor, she considers several factors when granting clemency. These factors include the type of offense committed, the severity of the sentences imposed, and the impact of the crime on the individuals involved. It is important to note that the Governor has the legal authority to grant clemency. Some of the individuals who have been granted clemency by the Governor include:
-
- Jose Arellano, pardon
- Deshaun Durham, commutation
- Stephen Gontz, pardon
- Jeffrey Gronewaller, pardon
- Lauren Holle, commutation
- James Valentine, pardon
- Scottie Way, pardon
Kelly mentioned that they are currently reviewing clemency applications without a specific timeframe. According to the law, these applications must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board, and the county where the crime took place must be notified.
The Governor’s Office is actively encouraging victims and survivors to seek support and information from the Office of Victim Services. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the office at 866-404-6732 to learn more about the resources available to you.
