Businessman granted clemency after 11 years

Associated Press

ORIENT, Ohio

A former Ohio businessman was released early from prison this week thanks to a clemency decision by Gov. Ted Strickland, who agreed his 14-year sentence stemming from a drunken fight was too harsh.

The 46-year-old Bradley Tapp had spent 11 years behind bars on assault convictions.

The Columbus Dispatch reports he was released Wednesday from the Pickaway Correctional Institution after Strickland wiped out the last three years of his sentence.

Tapp is the former president and CEO of Tropical Fruit & Nut Co. of Columbus.

The Ohio Parole Board recommended clemency for him twice, first in 2005. But former Gov. Bob Taft denied his request without commenting. The board again recommended clemency two years ago, and Strickland agreed.