Missouri Governor Parson Pardons Over 600 People in Three Years
Parson's pardoning pace aligns with national movement to restore citizens' rights post-sentence, with Wisconsin Governor Evers also setting pardon records.
- Missouri Governor Mike Parson has pardoned more than 600 people in the past three years, more than any Missouri governor since the 1940s.
- Parson's pardoning pace coincides with a national movement to restore citizens' rights and reputations after they have served criminal sentences.
- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, recently set a new state record for the number of pardons.
- Parson inherited nearly 3,700 clemency applications when he was suddenly elevated from lieutenant governor following the resignation of scandal-plagued GOP Gov. Eric Greitens in June 2018.
- Of those granted clemency by Parson, 42% had been convicted of drug crimes, 28% of theft and 14% of burglary, according to an AP analysis.