TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly granted clemency to six men and a woman who have “demonstrated their commitment to making amends,” clearing criminal records for five and allowing the early release of two currently in state prisons.
They were convicted of crimes that involve drugs, sex, and the second-degree murder of a newborn baby.
The governor previously used her power to issue pardons or commute sentences when she granted clemency to eight individuals in 2021. In both rounds, her executive action followed a lengthy review process that starts with an appeal to the Prisoner Review Board. Her administration then considers factors that include the nature of offenses, harsh sentences, impact of the crime on victims or survivors, rehabilitation efforts, criminal history, and ability to contribute to society.
“Granting commutations and pardons is not something I take lightly,” Kelly said. “By vetting numerous applications through a careful and thorough process, it was determined that these individuals have demonstrated their commitment to making amends and positively contributing to society.”
Kelly commuted the sentence of Lauren Holle, who was convicted in 2010 in Marshall County of second-degree murder, child abandonment and child abuse. She is the first individual convicted of a violent crime to receive clemency from Kelly.
The Fort Scott Tribune reported Holle at age 20 had given birth to a child, “wrapped it in a plastic garbage bag, and stowed the baby in her vehicle’s back seat.” A coroner determined the child had been born alive and died from lack of proper care.
Holle pleaded guilty to the crimes and received consecutive sentences adding up to more than 19 years in prison, with the earliest possible parole in January 2027. She had already served more time than if her sentences had run concurrently rather than consecutively, and “continued incarceration no longer serves the interests of justice,” the governor said in paperwork commuting the sentence to Friday.
Grace Hoge, a spokeswoman for Kelly, said the Prisoner Review Board recommended clemency for Holle and all but one of the others who received clemency.
Kelly overruled the Prisoner Review Board to commute the sentence of Deshaun Durham, who was convicted of marijuana possession with intent to distribute in 2022 in Riley County and sentenced to 92 months in prison. He was 20 at the time and had no prior convictions. The governor commuted his sentence to Dec. 6.
She also issued pardons to five men who already served their sentence or probation and whose crimes have been expunged.
James Valentine was convicted in 2004 in Harper County of aggravated indecent liberties with a child between the ages of 14 and 16, and in 2014 in Butler County of violating the offender registration act. He received probation in both cases. The governor in paperwork granting the pardon said Valentine was 19 at time of his first conviction and is now a decorated Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Stephen Gontz was convicted in 2000 in Geary County of battery and witness intimidation and sentenced to 12 months of probation. He is also a military veteran.
Jose Arellano was convicted in 2009 in Sedgwick County of opiates possession and traffic violations and sentenced to 12 months of probation.
Jeffrey Gronewaller was convicted in 2001 of theft and in 2008 of forgery and conspiracy to commit forgery. The crimes were in Reno County.
Scottie Way was convicted in 1989 of criminal damage to property and in 1992 of burglary. The crimes were in Finney County.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, which has helped individuals navigate the clemency process, applauded the governor’s willingness to use her executive power “to address systemic injustices.”
“Clemency is an important and crucial intervention in a criminal legal system that continues to fail to keep our community safe and that contributes to the cycles of harm,” said Esmie Tseng, spokeswoman for ACLU of Kansas. “The governor’s leadership should serve as a model for how all elected officials can intervene as we continue to await meaningful reform.”
Hoge, the governor’s spokeswoman, said the administration’s efforts to review clemency applications is ongoing. She declined to say why the governor announced the latest round a day after the election.
Hoge also said the administration is still reviewing the high-profile clemency request for Sarah Gonzales-McLinn, who is serving a minimum 25-year sentence for killing a Lawrence man who repeatedly raped her. McLinn’s supporters helped her file for clemency two years ago. Her earliest possible release date is in 2039.
“Gov. Kelly thoroughly reviews clemency requests based on the circumstances of each individual case prior to making a decision,” Hoge said. “Sarah Gonzales McLinn’s clemency request is currently under review.”
Kansas Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com. Follow Kansas Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
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