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Release: Gov. Nixon issues 14 additional pardons

JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Jay Nixon today granted pardons to 14 individuals, each of whom has completed his or her sentence and become a law-abiding citizen.

 

“These individuals have successfully completed the terms of their sentences and have become productive members of society,” Gov. Nixon said. “I take my authority to grant pardons seriously, and after a careful review of each of these individuals, I have found them worthy of this action.”

 

Those granted pardons are:

 

n  David Newell, who was placed on a two-year term of probation after being convicted in Stoddard County in 1970 of burglary and stealing. He successfully completed probation and went on to work for more than three decades at a food processing plant. Newell is currently retired.

 

n  Marianne Jay, who completed a 120-day program and was placed on a five-year term of probation in Marion County in 2003 for possession of a controlled substance. She completed her probation and successfully completed a drug-treatment program. Jay has earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and has remained gainfully employed.

 

n  Thomas Reese, who served nine months in the Platte County jail before being paroled for his conviction of second degree burglary in 1964. Reese is currently retired.

 

n  Clay Tessmer, who was placed on a one-year term of probation after being convicted of burglary and stealing in Newton County in 1976. He completed his probation and currently lives in Arkansas where he works at a drug and alcohol treatment facility.

 

n  David Lewellen, who was placed on a five-year term of probation after being convicted of second degree burglary and stealing in Boone County in 1981. He completed his probation and has worked for more than three decades at an amusement park in Florida, where he continues to reside.

 

n  Tony Townsend, who completed a 120-day program and was placed on a five-year term of probation in 1999 for two counts of nonsupport in St. Charles County. He completed his probation, paid restitution, and has maintained employment with the same waste management company for more than 20 years.

 

n  William Mayes, who was placed on a three-year term of probation after being found guilty of nonsupport in Buchanan County in 2001. He completed his probation, paid restitution, and has maintained steady employment.

 

n  Robert Sheldon, who was placed on a two-year term of probation for second degree burglary in Jasper County in 1980. He completed his probation, obtained a college degree, and has remained gainfully employed.

 

n  Joshua Fray, who was placed on a five-year term of probation after being found guilty of two counts of tampering and one count of property damage in Chariton County in 1993.  He completed his probation and went on to earn a law degree. A practicing attorney, Fray is also active in his community, volunteering with several community groups in his home county.

 

n  John Wynne, who was incarcerated for nine months before being paroled in 1964 for his conviction of second degree burglary in Grundy County in 1963. He is currently retired.

 

n  Gregory Kirkwood, who was  placed on a five-year term of probation after being found guilty of two counts of stealing in Boone County in 1987. Kirkwood joined the U.S. Navy in 1988 and served for two decades before retiring. During his career in the Navy, Kirkwood achieved the rank of Commander, completed a tour of service in Iraq, and was awarded several medals, including the Bronze Star.

 

n  Devin Robb, who was placed on a five-year term of probation, ordered to pay restitution, and ordered to complete 250 hours of community service after being found guilty of stealing in Pettis County in 1993. He has completed his associate’s degree and has maintained gainful employed.

 

n  Edward Jennings, who was placed on a five-year term of probation after being found guilty of selling marijuana in Audrain County in 1985. He completed his probation and has maintained employment. Jennings has also received the Distinguished Service Award from the City of Vandalia for his role in apprehending an armed suspect who had taken a woman hostage in a gas station.

 

n  Ralph Smith, who was sentenced to two years in the Department of Corrections after being convicted of grand larceny in Greene County in 1954. After successfully completing his sentence, Smith enlisted the U.S Army and served for two years on active duty, including one year in Korea. Smith is currently retired after a 20 year career as a truck driver.