Gov. Brown Grants 83 Pardons in California, 5 in RivCo

Gov. Jerry Brown’s office announced 83 pardons Sunday, according to the governor’s office.

A pardon by the governor may be given to individuals who have lived exemplary and productive lives following their conviction. A pardon must be earned, officials with the governor’s office said.

Five people who committed crimes in Riverside County earned pardons from the governor. Here’s a brief description of each, as outlined in the governor’s orders:

• Jason Besneatte: “He was sentenced on or about February 3, 1993, in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Riverside, for the crime of transporting a controlled substance. He served five years probation. He was discharged on February 3, 1998, having completed his sentence.”
• Robert Furmidge: “He was sentenced on or about November 28, 1983, in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Riverside, for the crime of possession of a controlled substance for sale. He served three years probation, and 60 days jail. He was discharged on November 28, 1986, having completed
  his sentence.”
• Troy Graham: “He was sentenced on or about July 12, 1995, in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Riverside, for the crime of child cruelty. Specifically, Mr. Graham was manufacturing methamphetamine while his children were present. He served three years probation, and 120 days jail.
  He was discharged on July 12, 1998, having completed his sentence.”
• Jesus Pinedo: “He was sentenced on or about November 21, 1986, in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Riverside, for the crime of transporting or selling a controlled substance. He served one year, five months prison, and one year, seven months parole. He was discharged on December 22, 1989, having completed his sentence.”
• Alan Veale: “He was sentenced on or about November 9, 1971, in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Riverside, for the crime of possession of dangerous drugs. He served two years, six months probation, and 80 days in weekend jail. He was discharged on May 9, 1974, having completed
  his sentence.”

Officials with the governor’s office said all 83 people completed their sentences and have been released from prison for 10 years or more. All have been free of criminal convictions in the last 10 years. Each person obtained a Certificate of Rehabilitation, which is a document from a superior court stating the person who committed the crime is now rehabilitated.

With each pardon, records with the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are updated. The California Secretary of State and the legislature each have a record of the pardons, which are public records, according to the governor’s office.

Click here to see all 83 pardons.

– Bay City News Service contributed to this report.