WASHINGTON — President George W. Bush has granted pardons to 14 individuals and commuted the prison sentences of two others convicted of misdeeds including drug offenses, tax evasion, wildlife violations and bank embezzlement.
The new round of White House pardons announced Monday are Bush’s first since March and come less than two months before he will end his presidency. The crimes committed by those on the list also include offenses involving hazardous waste, food stamps and the theft of government property.
Bush has been stingy during his time in office about handing out such reprieves.
Including these actions, he has granted a total of 171 and eight commutations. That’s less than half as many as presidents Bill Clinton or Ronald Reagan issued during their time in office. Both were two-term presidents.
On the latest pardon list were:
Leslie Owen Collier of Charleston, Mo. He was convicted for unauthorized use of a pesticide and violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Milton Kirk Cordes of Rapid City, S.D. Cordes was convicted of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, which prohibits importation into the country of wildlife taken in violation of conservation laws.
Richard Micheal Culpepper of Mahomet, Ill., who was convicted of making false statements to the federal government.
Brenda Jean Dolenz-ÂHelmer of Fort Worth, Texas, for reporting or helping cover up a crime.
Andrew Foster Harley of Falls Church, Va. Harley was convicted of wrongful use and distribution of marijuana and cocaine.
Obie Gene Helton of Rossville, Ga., whose offense was unauthorized acquisition of food stamps.
Carey Hice Sr. of Travelers Rest, S.C., who was convicted of income tax evasion.
Geneva Yvonne Hogg of Jacksonville, Fla., convicted of bank embezzlement.
William Hoyle McCright Jr. of Midland, Texas, who was sentenced for making false entries, books, reports or statements to a bank.
Paul Julian McCurdy of Sulphur, Okla., who was sentenced for misapplication of bank funds.
Robert Earl Mohon Jr. of Grant, Ala., who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
Ronald Alan Mohrhoff of Los Angeles, who was convicted for unlawful use of a telephone in a narcotics felony.
Daniel Figh Pue III of Conroe, Texas, convicted of illegal treatment, storage and disposal of a hazardous waste without a permit.
Orion Lynn Vick of White Hall, Ark., who was convicted of aiding and abetting the theft of government property.
Bush also commuted the prison sentences of John Edward Forte of North Brunswick, N.J., and James Russell Harris of Detroit. Both were convicted of cocaine offenses.
Under the Constitution, the president’s power to issue pardons is absolute and cannot be overruled.
Some high-profile people such as Michael Milken are seeking a pardon on securities fraud charges. Two politicians convicted of public corruption — former Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, R-Calif., and four-term Democratic Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards — are asking Bush to shorten their prison terms.
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