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Strickland pardons 33, grants six commutations
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
Gov. Ted Strickland granted pardons or commuted the sentences of nearly 40 Ohioans on Tuesday, erasing or easing past criminal convictions.
The list of 33 pardons and six commutations included several cases in Mahoning and Trumbull counties:
Charlotte Ann Hubbert, 54, was pardoned for a felonious assault conviction in 1991 and drug trafficking in 1994, both in Mahoning County.
Richard James DeMartini Jr., 43, was pardoned for a theft conviction in 1985 and tampering with a coin machine and possession of criminal tools in 1986 in Trumbull County.
Thomas E. Heidlerberg, 62, was pardoned for a breaking-and-entering conviction in 1958 in Trumbull County.
In all three cases, the governor noted that the individuals had demonstrated that they were rehabilitated and had “assumed the responsibilities of citizenship. A full and unconditional pardon is warranted.”
None of the individuals served time in prison as a result of their offenses.
The governor is granted authority in the Ohio Constitution to grant commutations (reductions of the legal punishments for crimes committed) and pardons (complete forgiveness for crimes committed, eliminating penalties and further legal consequences for those convicted).
Clemency can be granted “for all crimes and offenses, except treason and cases of impeachment,” according to the wording in the state constitution.
The announcement Tuesday covered 176 clemency applications, all submitted in 2008, with Strickland denying clemency in most of cases.
And many of the individuals who were granted clemency were convicted of minor or nonviolent offenses and have not committed subsequent crimes other than traffic violations.
Strickland is reviewing 238 clemency applications submitted to his office last year; he told Statehouse reporters last week that he intends to issue decisions on hundreds of other applications before his term ends in early January.
“Executive-clemency power is an important part of our justice system — it provides a second chance to those who have earned one and ensures that unusually long sentences are in line with similar cases,” Strickland said.
“This process also provides an opportunity to show mercy and forgiveness to those who have recognized what is expected of them in our society and who remain committed to being productive and responsible citizens.”