Governor Bill Haslam
On Friday — his last, full day on the job — Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam issued clemency grants to 23 Tennesseeans, including three convicted in Shelby County.
“These individuals receiving pardons have made positive contributions to their communities and are worthy of the forgiveness that may help them restore their rights or obtain employment,” Haslam said in a statement. “Clemency requires attempting to balance mercy and justice, and my legal team and I have taken this responsibility seriously during a thorough review of many cases.”
Haslam pardoned these three convicted in Shelby County:
• Leah Margaret Foy for her 2003 theft conviction.
“She has been recognized for her significant involvement with military-related and children’s charities and received a unanimous, positive recommendation from the Tennessee Board of Parole,” Haslam said.
• Shea Langs for his 1992 drug-related conviction.
“He has obtained higher education degrees and works as a veterans justice outreach coordinator,” Haslam said.
• Michael Lee Ridley for his 1972 drug-related conviction.
“He is a decorated Vietnam veteran and received a unanimous, positive recommendation from the Tennessee Board of Parole,” Haslam said.
While in office, Haslam has granted a total of 9 commutations, 35 pardons, and one exoneration.
