Court Halts Former Miss. Gov’s Controversial Pardons
- Posted on January 12, 2012 at 7:15am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi judge has temporarily blocked the release of 21 inmates who’d been given pardons or medical release by Republican Haley Barbour in one of his final acts as governor.
Circuit Judge Tomie Green issued an injunction late Wednesday at the request of Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood.
Hood said he believes Barbour might’ve violated the state constitution by pardoning some inmates who failed to give sufficient public notice that they were seeking to have their records cleared.
Barbour said in a statement Wednesday, a day after leaving office, that he believes people have misunderstood why he gave reprieves to more than 200 inmates. Most received full pardons, while others received suspended sentences because of medical conditions. Barbour said 189 of the inmates had already completed their incarceration.
Barbour was limited to two terms and issued the list of pardons and early releases Tuesday about the time his successor, Republican Phil Bryant, was being inaugurated. Barbour wouldn’t answer repeated questions about the pardons Tuesday.
In Wednesday’s statement, Barbour said: “The pardons were intended to allow them to find gainful employment or acquire professional licenses as well as hunt and vote. My decision about clemency was based upon the recommendation of the Parole Board in more than 90 percent of the cases.”
The pardons angered even some of Barbour’s most ardent supporters in Mississippi, including some conservatives who say the actions tarnished his legacy. It also has created concerns within the state that his decisions may make Mississippi look backwards. Yet Barbour is unlikely to face political repercussions from the decisions – he has said he doesn’t expect to run for any elected office, nor does he expect to be chosen as a GOP vice-presidential nominee.
Barbour spokeswoman Laura Hipp was not immediately available for comment about Green’s decision to temporarily block release of the 21 inmates. It was not clear how many of the 21 are convicted killers.
Section 124 of the Mississippi Constitution says any inmate seeking a pardon must publish notice about his intentions. Before the governor can grant it, the notice must appear 30 days in a newspaper in or near the county where the person was convicted.
Hood said it’s not clear whether all the inmates pardoned by Barbour met the publication requirement, and that he believes it’s likely that some did not.
“It’s unfortunate Gov. Barbour didn’t read the constitution,” Hood said Wednesday.
Mississippi Department of Corrections spokeswoman Suzanne Singletary told The Associated Press that five inmates let out over the weekend are the only ones on Barbour’s list who had been released as of Wednesday evening. She said the 21 were still in custody because processing paperwork generally takes several days. Among other, things, state law requires the department to give victims 48 hours’ notice before an inmate is released.
Neither Hipp nor Barbour’s lead staff attorney, Amanda Jones Tollison, responded to questions about whether Barbour‘s staff verified that pardoned inmates had met the 30 days’ publication requirement.
Each of the five inmates released this past weekend had worked as a trustee at the Governor’s Mansion. They are David Gatlin, convicted of killing his estranged wife in 1993; Joseph Ozment, convicted in 1994 of killing a man during a robbery; Anthony McCray, convicted in 2001 of killing his wife; Charles Hooker, sentenced to life in 1992 for murder; and Nathan Kern, sentenced to life in 1982 for burglary after at least two prior convictions.
Singletary said each of the five men published legal notices in local newspapers within the past month.
Hood said several of his staff members spent hours Wednesday calling newspapers and checking whether others on the clemency list published their notices in advance. He said Green agreed to his request to require each of the five who’ve been released to appear in court to prove they met the publication requirement. He did not say where or when those appearances would take place.
Relatives of the killers’ victims said they were outraged by the release, and some said they’re worried for their own safety.
Barbour, a former Republican National Committee chairman, considered running for president this year but announced last April that he would skip the race because he didn’t have the “fire in the belly.” The 64-year-old is now on the paid speakers’ circuit and is also working for a Jackson-area law firm and for BGR, the Washington lobbying firm he founded two decades ago.
—
Associated Press writer Jeff Amy contributed to this report.
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Eyeball
Posted on January 15, 2012 at 12:57amI wonder what his real reasons were for freeing these criminals, with some being murders. His explaination about being a Christian and forgive and forget BS is a bunch of crap. I want to know his real reason for doing this.
Report Post »Joshua7
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 3:30pmThis is crazy. I know liberals probably do it even more than conservitives. But it should never be done!
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 4:33pmIf he’s found guilty in an open investigation of intentionally subverting the State Constitution, you sentence him to prison, and take away any benefits he would otherwise have received regarding pensions, medical, or whatever. I don’t care if he “claims” to be a republican or a democrat. Subversion is subversion and it needs to be rooted out. That includes all the way to the White House who also makes ridiculous pardons. Politicians should NEVER be above the Law. Not ever.
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 5:57pmIt’s all about money$$$$. Remember when Bill Clinton pardoned Mark Rich who owed $33 Million $$$ to the IRS. Rich was hiding out in another country and now he come and goes as he pleases. Clinton pardoned a Billionaire that was a pedophile and had him released from prison. Both parties do it and as long as the money gets to their Swiss accoiunt all is well. Money talks and poor people walks.
Report Post »vaman
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 2:09pmRemarkable! What could be the reason? The prison system is a mess, but that many convicted killers on the street again. If one of them kills again…
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 2:34pmWhat will everyone say when they see Obamas parden list that is almost 4 full pages. On page 3 at the bottom is obama and Biden. If he gets another term it might be 10 pages. On the list are all those fat cats he mentioned but got TARP money. I never saw so many people get rich off the folks dole, Of intrest is the fact Bill Ayres and his wife will get full pardons for what they did in the 60′s.
Report Post »GoodStuff
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 1:38pmBarbour belongs in jail!!!!!!!!
Report Post »DavidInStLouis
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 12:59pmThank God! : )
Report Post »GoodStuff
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 1:36pmWhy so relieved? Four murderers have already beem released! Barbout should be investigated and sent to GITMO.
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 12:22pmObama would pardon Charlie Manson if he thought it would getting some of the old-druggie-vote.
Report Post »Robert999
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 4:17pmLooks like Barbour might too.
Report Post »tmplarnite
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 12:01pmString this Fat POTUS up….it’s time folks!
Report Post »Ookspay
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 2:17pmDon’t you mean GOMISS, (Governor of Mississippi)?
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 11:40amALL Miss. Governors have routinely PARDONED prisoners. Should they? I don’t think so, but don‘t act like this is the FIRST time it’s happened with feigned outrage, liberals!! YOUR side has done more of this type of thing. NOW courts decide to HALT this one case?
Report Post »Liberalismsamentaldisorder
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 11:29amPardons on the way out are part of the system. True that rarely will a dems pardons be legally questioned, but a repubs will. The bigger question? Why can congress legally insider trade? Why can a governor or president overrule our entire judicial system? Power corrupts and absolute power scorrupts absolutely. This is why presidents have been consolidating power in the office for decades.
Report Post »momsense
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 11:29amIt‘s unfortunate that most Liberal Activist Progressive judges don’t either.
Report Post »Moe1138
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 11:14amI think the point is being missed. A conservative governor is blocked by the courts over pardons. Did we ever see this with a liberal governor? The answer is NO, nor will we ever. Pardons are part of an elected officials prerogative. Whether they chose to or not, it’s their call. Once again, the courts are stepping in and conducting legislative presidence where it doesn’t belong.
Report Post »Here in the PRK, Peoples Republik of Kalifornia, the courts have continuously overturned the wishes of it’s citizens. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in San Francisco, is the most overturned court in the nation. Go Figure.
HorseCrazy
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 11:38amfantastic point. the liberals are never questioned. I am beyond tired of the double standard…however I am not a fan of pardons they are abused frequently
Report Post »Kerri g
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 9:47amWhy would anyone give a pardon to a murderer? If a person was sentenced to life they should do life.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 9:54amBecause they may be a Progressive? Who wants to throw some more static and distractions out there?
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 9:56amHey, just imagine all, and I do mean “All” the people President Obama is going to Pardon when he leaves office?
Report Post »wilobe
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 10:55amEliasim… yet another reason why this lier-in-chief must be Perp-Walked out of our house ASAP!!!
Report Post »G-WHIZ
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 12:08pmDo not forget the GITMO-prissoners to be “exchanged” for help with the MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD, soon to come to a country near you.
Report Post »MIlitary Nurse
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 9:33amWow, just wow! I’m never for a loss of words, I am now
Report Post »centenium
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 9:27am1.) I’m with charleyrocks on the advertising thing and have complained all this week. You have to email Support@theblaze.com with a pic and URL for the ad. They outsourced it and are trying to block whomever is sending it their way.
2.) Why is the Gov. getting all of the heat on this one. He is just rubber stamping paperwork on his desk suggested to him by the Parole Board. What have they been doing during his tenure and how many other inmates have they suggested for release given this particular case of their decision making prowess?
Report Post »JLGunner
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:55amThis is one of the most cowardice moves politicians make. Pardon criminals aon their way out the door so as not to have to deal with the repercussions.
Report Post »CommentsOfWeThePeople
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:46amFYI … In the 8 years in office, thu guvnor has pardoned more than 1200, the largess list which included child pornographers, rapists, murderers, cyber stalkers…you name it…and now he returns to Washington DC to resume his work with his lobbying group he founded 2 decades ago. Who says guvment corruption doesn’t pay?
Report Post »old white guy
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 9:36amwtf. what is the benefit to a pol who does something like this. do they run with murderers, rapists, child molesters. what is the net gain??? do they just want to continue the destruction of america???
Report Post »GodWillPrevail
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 3:39pmSure makes you wonder how many of those pardoned needed his lobbying service. Or will be needing it.
Report Post »charleyrocks
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:36amonly in america you say!
Report Post »charleyrocks
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:39amI don’t appreciate the advertising on this page. where the girl has a veg in her cleavage boasting good food I thought you were against this kind of thing family values Glenn no matter what they pay.
Report Post »Joisey
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:25amObama will pardon every terrorist in Gitmo. Eric Holder would have Obama pardon every incarcerated black person in the country.
Report Post »charleyrocks
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:33amWhat a stupid decision he made period. I am beginning to wonder about the good old USA. Children being brainwashed by colonies set up as religious cults allowed to still marry off little kids to old men. Nothing is being done. Mothers who have said their child is gone the next morning from their bed, telling the police they can’t talk to the other kids in the house. Telling the police what they will do to cooperate or not and they get away with it. So many babies missing tossed to the curb and the police can’t do anything about it. So it does not surprise me about the mentality of that decision it goes on all the time in the USA.
Report Post »Athinkerinaseaoflibs
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:02amI have a problem with pardons that happen after the elections as they leave. However I also have a bigger problem with activist judges who use the Constituion to paper their hamperster cages. To change this we need to change the Constitution not just ignore it
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 7:44am.
Report Post »That has got to be the BIGGEST Brain Fart, on Record………….
rangerp
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:07amif you want to see the pardon list from hell, wait until Obama leaves office (weather it is next year, or he gets four more). Clinton set the record on pardons, and Obama will blow it out of the water. Every thug, muslim, socialist, cop killer behind bars will get a full pardon, and the MSM will keep their pie hole closed about it.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:15am.
Report Post »Well it’s the Biggest til then…………..
grandmaof5
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:27amObama may open the doors and let everyone who isn’t white walk out, pardoned, even thought his grandmother had to cross the road…..at any point will his “white” half kick in?
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 7:39amWait until Obama releases his list. You know cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal will be on it.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 7:53amGonna be a lot longer than that…I see a list a mile long. Hope they are released in Chicago, in his neighborhood.
Roll Tide (could not resist)
Report Post »HKS
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:04amI would imagine Van Jones has his list ready and keeps it updated.
Report Post »dnewton
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 9:45amToo bad Barney Frank and Chris Dodd and Tim Geitner won’t be on it.
Report Post »wilobe
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 11:01amAgain, ….yet another reason why this lier-in-chief must be Perp-Walked out of our house ASAP!!!
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 7:35amGoes to show that you really never know what kind of person that you are dealing with. Huckabee, now Barbour… despicable phonies.
Report Post »Stuck_in_CA
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 8:28amYeah, didn‘t one of Huck’s pardons commit a murder? These guys’ judgements are in question — big time!
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 7:25amHas Haley Barbour lost his frekin mind or what, these people were’nt convicted of embezzlement…. They were MURDERERS…… are there any sane politicians left ??? And this guy was considered to be a staunch conservative … WTF ?
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 7:22am“The pardons were intended to allow them to find gainful employment or acquire professional licenses as well as hunt and vote”.
Are you kidding me??? Friggin law abiding citizens can’t find jobs, and you are stupid enough to think FRIGGIN FELONS/MURDERERS will be able to find jobs??? Uuuuuugggghhhhhhh! The stupidity of some politicians is totally un-freaking-believable!!
Report Post »Joshua7
Posted on January 12, 2012 at 3:34pmNo kidding! If they’re murderers then they deserve to be at the back of the line!
(That’s of course, if you’re going to let murderers anywhere outside of a prison in the first place. Personally, I think all murderers get a leathal injection, that way, we wouldn’t have to worry about them.)
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