Governor Bill Lee pardoned 43 people Friday.
In a news statement, Lee explained that pardons are “an official statement of forgiveness.” They are granted to those who have completed their sentences and have been living freely in their communities for at least five years.
Other forms of clemency include exoneration and commutation. Lee did not grant either of those Friday.
“After thoroughly reviewing the merits of each case, I have decided to grant 43 individuals executive clemency,” said Lee. “Each individual case is unique and warranted consideration, and I thank the Board of Parole members for their thoughtful recommendations throughout this process.”
Executive clemency decisions are made in consultation with the Tennessee Board of Parole. That board issues non-binding recommendations for each case.
Here is the list of those pardoned by Lee Friday:
Sabrina Myrick Adams
Otto Adkerson
Pamela Amos
Ashley Cooper Barnhill
Erik Bennett
Justin Beshearse
Lanesha Brown
Quanroyas Clendening
Jeffrey Crick
Johnny Drinkard
Lauren Driver
Angelia Laderman Dycus
Jason Hall
Sarah Harrell
Kimberly Holliday
Matthew Hoover
Joshua Hunt
Jonathan Jackson
James Jones
Kathy Keel
Tameka Kirk
Steven Langston
Shantie Martin
Miguel Monzon
Tyree Morgan
Brittany Nepa
Zennia Nesmith
Shirley Parsons
Christopher Prince
Cynthia Ramirez
Stephanie Robertson
Jennifer Rush
Melissa Smith
Thomas Smith
Taylor Stevenson
Robert Turner
Patrick Varni
Jeffrey Victory
Pamela Waller
Janet Watson
Joseph Whitfield
Paul Williams
Tanika Woodard