Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced executive clemency decisions for 16 individuals.
“After thoroughly reviewing the merits of each case, I have decided to grant 16 individuals executive clemency,” said Governor Lee. “Each individual case is unique and warranted consideration, and I thank the Board of Parole members for their thoughtful recommendations throughout this process.”
Separately, the Governor granted expedited parole eligibility to 30 individuals, following the Tennessee General Assembly’s recent action to amend the state law about drug-free school zone (DFSZ) offenses.
“In light of recent updates to Tennessee state law, I have made the decision to grant parole eligibility to certain low-level drug offenders who merit consideration for an expedited review of their sentence,” said Lee. “Each parole hearing will be considered individually, and the Board of Parole will determine the appropriate outcome.”
Executive clemency decisions are made in consultation with the Tennessee Board of Parole, which issues non-binding recommendations for each case. Individuals who have applied for clemency but are not included in today’s release remain eligible for clemency in the future.
The governor will grant three types of clemency today:
- Pardon – an official statement of forgiveness. Pardons are granted to individuals who have completed their time in prison and are no longer incarcerated.
- Commutation to time served – a reduction to time served.
- This will be granted to one individual today. In this case, the action results in the end of parole for an individual who has been out of prison for many years.
- Commutation to parole eligibility – a decision to expedite parole eligibility for an individual based on the unique merits of their case. The Board of Parole will hold a hearing in the normal course. This does not mean a person will be released from prison, and it does not guarantee that parole will be granted.
Another form of executive clemency is exoneration, which the Governor will not grant in this round of decisions.
Additional information on executive clemency can be found here.
Executive Clemency Grants
Jimmy Lee Clausel, Hardin County – Executive Action: Pardon
Jacqueline Clements, Hamilton County – Executive Action: Pardon
Tara Duncan-Rodriguez, Hamilton County – Executive Action: Pardon
Najeeb Farhat, Knox County – Executive Action: Pardon
Randy Fleming, Williamson County – Executive Action: Pardon
Ryan Herron, Warren County and Dekalb County – Executive Action: Pardon
Kimberly Kerby, Shelby County – Executive Action: Pardon
Jason Moore, Rutherford County – Executive Action: Pardon
James Norris, Warren County – Executive Action: Pardon
Randy Pool, Crockett County – Executive Action: Pardon
Audria Reeves, Chester County – Executive Action: Pardon
Stephen Robinson, Hardeman County – Executive Action: Pardon
Aaron Dewayne Vaught, Bradley County – Executive Action: Pardon
William Mee, Meigs County – Executive Action: Commutation to time served, ending his parole
Tabatha White, Davidson County – Executive Action: Commutation to immediate parole eligibility
Alicia Williams, Davidson County – Executive Action: Commutation to immediate parole eligibility
Proclamations granting individuals clemency can be viewed here.