Kansas governor pardons five people, commutes sentences of two for crimes involving drugs, sex and murder

Gov. Laura Kelly speaks to Democratic supporters at a watch party in Overland Park on Nov. 5, 2024. (Chloe Anderson for Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly granted clemency to six men and one woman who “demonstrated a commitment to reform,” cleared the criminal records of five people and allowed the early release of two people currently in state prisons.

They were convicted of crimes involving drugs, sex and the second-degree murder of a newborn baby.

The governor previously used his authority to grant pardons or commute sentences when granting clemency to eight people in 2021. Enforcement action followed in both rounds a long review process This begins with an appeal to the Prisoner Review Board. Its administration then considers factors such as the nature of the crimes, harsh sentences, the impact of the crime on victims or survivors, rehabilitation efforts, criminal history, and ability to contribute to society.

“Clarifications and pardons are not something I take lightly,” Kelly said. “By reviewing a large number of applications through a careful and comprehensive process, it was determined that these individuals demonstrated their commitment to making amends and contributing positively to society.”

Kelly commuted the sentence of Lauren Holle, who was convicted of second-degree murder, child abandonment and child abuse in Marshall County in 2010. He became the first person convicted of a violent crime to receive a pardon from Kelly.

Fort Scott Tribune reported When Holle was 20, she gave birth to a child, “wrapped him in a plastic garbage bag and put the baby in the backseat of her vehicle.” The coroner determined that the child was born alive and died due to lack of proper care.

Holle pleaded guilty to the crimes and was sentenced to more than 19 consecutive years in prison, with the earliest possible parole in January 2027. He would have already served more time had his sentences been served concurrently rather than consecutively, and “continued incarceration no longer serves the interests of justice,” the Governor said in the paperwork commutating the sentence to Friday.

Grace Hoge, Kelly’s spokeswoman, said the Prisoner Review Board recommended clemency for Holle and anyone else who received clemency.

Kelly overturned the Prisoner Review Board’s decision to commute the sentence of Deshaun Durham, who was convicted in 2022 of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute marijuana in Riley County and sentenced to 92 months in prison. He was 20 at the time and had no previous convictions. The governor changed the sentence to December 6.

He also pardoned five people who had completed their sentences or probation and whose crimes had been expunged.

James Valentine was convicted of aggravated indecent liberties with a child ages 14 to 16 in Harper County in 2004 and of violating the offender registration law in Butler County in 2014. He received probation in both cases. In paperwork approving his pardon, the Governor said Valentine was 19 years old at the time of his initial conviction and is now a decorated Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Stephen Gontz was convicted of battery and witness intimidation in Geary County in 2000 and was sentenced to 12 months probation. He is also a military veteran.

Jose Arellano was convicted of opiate possession and traffic violations in Sedgwick County in 2009 and was sentenced to 12 months probation.

Jeffrey Gronewaller was convicted of theft in 2001 and of forgery and conspiracy to commit forgery in 2008. The crimes were in Reno County.

Scottie Way was convicted of criminal damage to property in 1989 and burglary in 1992. The crimes were in Finney County.

American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas helping individuals navigating the compassion processHe applauded the governor’s willingness to use executive authority “to address systemic injustices.”

“A pardon is an important and crucial intervention in the criminal legal system that continues to fail to keep our community safe and contributes to the cycle of harm,” said Esmie Tseng, spokesperson for the ACLU of Kansas. “As we continue to await meaningful reform, the governor’s leadership should serve as a model for how all elected officials can intervene.”

Hoge, the governor’s spokesman, said the administration’s efforts to review amnesty applications are continuing. He declined to say why the governor announced the latest round a day after the election.

Hoge also said the administration is still investigating. high-profile amnesty request for Sarah Gonzales McLinn, who is serving a minimum 25-year sentence for murder. a Lawrence man who raped her multiple times. McLinn’s supporters applied for his pardon two years ago. The earliest possible release date is 2039.

“Governor. Kelly thoroughly reviews clemency requests based on the circumstances of each case before making a decision,” Hoge said. “Sarah Gonzales McLinn’s clemency request is currently under review.”