Fletcher grants pardons to "women of abuse", promises more tomorrow.

Here is the press release:

GOVERNOR FLETCHER GRANTS RELIEF TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

Pardons, restoration of rights and commutations issued

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Ernie Fletcher has granted relief to 17 domestic abuse victims seeking pardons from the state and has referred four cases to the Parole Board for review.

"Our legal system is the best in the world, but it is not perfect," said Governor Fletcher. "Upon individual review of these cases by myself and by our General Counsel, I have decided to grant relief to these women based on their individual circumstances."

Nine women were granted full pardons. Eight of these previously had their sentences commuted and were recommended for pardons by the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association and the Department of Public Advocacy. They are Sue Melton, Mary Ann Long, Martina Stillwell, Tracie English, Sherry Pollard, Margie Marcum, Paula Richey and Karen Stout.

Jaqulynn Green was also granted a full pardon. Green is currently incarcerated, but the circumstances of her case warranted a full pardon instead of merely commuting her sentence based on the fact that she was convicted of a crime that does not exist under the laws of the Commonwealth and the fact that her ex-husband has admitted that she had no complicity in the criminal act.

Restoration of rights was granted to Montilla Seewright, Johnetta McNair and Frances Alvey. These women previously had their sentences commuted.

Commutation with restoration of rights was granted to Jiletta Turner, Stacy Lyons, Teresa Fay Vincent, Antoinette Johnson and Gabrielle Cecil. These women are currently incarcerated, and their records show that they were victims of severe domestic abuse.

"I would like to commend Governor Fletcher for his act of justice and compassion. Today he is making history in the most meaningful way possible for victims of domestic violence in Kentucky," said Marsha Weinstein, former executive director of the Kentucky Commission on Women.

Governor Fletcher has also referred the cases of four women to the Parole Board for review. Insufficient information was presented with the pardon applications for these women. The Governor has therefore asked the Parole Board to review these cases to determine whether these women are eligible for parole. They are: Bertha Williams, Barbara Sarabia, Cassandra Holland and Pearlie Sue Mills.

Information on these cases is available in the office of the Governor’s General Counsel.

Additional pardons will be made on Monday.