Colorado governor pardons 17 former convicts

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper on Thursday pardoned 17 former convicts who served their sentences, the majority of which were related to drug offenses.

The Democrat — who has now issued 40 pardons in his two terms — said issuing a clemency decision is “a sobering task of significant consequence.” But in a statement, the governor said he believes those who received the pardons “earned the opportunity for a second chance.”

The majority of those who applied encountered problems with employment as a result of their convictions, while others wanted to travel and hunt.

The cases included nine related to drugs, four involving burglary and two assault cases. One of the people who received a pardon is Brian J. Clear, who in 1994 pleaded guilty as a juvenile to felony criminal mischief; two counts of second degree burglary; criminal attempt for extreme indifference to murder; first degree aggravated motor vehicle theft; violation of bail bond; and menacing with a deadly weapon.

Hickenlooper wrote that the crimes “were quite serious and certainly gave me pause” but told Clear in a letter that he was impressed with his choices since then and his desire to become a firefighter.

The governor’s office is still reviewing hundreds of cases and requested all applications arrive by July 1, given that Hickenlooper leaves office at the end of the year.

Hickenlooper also is considering releasing more than 40 current inmates who are serving time for nonviolent marijuana convictions.

Those who received pardons Thursday were: Curtis Aude, James J. M. Benavidez, Traci J. Brigham, Derrik Clayton Broadfield, Bruce Bryan, Michell Cabaniss, Justin T. Campbell, Clear, Dennis C. Hiser, Frank Maez, Patrick Noel, Julie D. Schiltz, Pamela R. Scott, Tisha Sjostrand, Dustin R. Weaver, Janeah M. Weaver and Cindy K. Williamson.