Governor issues first pardons

Governor Brad Little issued two pardons Friday, the first of his administration. Both came on recommendations from the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Paroles.

Kenneth James Taylor of Pocatello was originally charged in 1992 with Delivery of a controlled subsstance. He was sentenced to two to five years in prison. He satisfied the sentence in 1998. Since then, the Governor’s office said Taylor earned his BA and Master’s Degrees. He has worked as a substance abuse and domestic violence counselor. He has volunteered his time with veterans, in Narcotics Anonymous, and in jails in eastern Idaho.

The governor also pardoned Fred wiley of Boise. Wiley fulfilled his drug sentence in 1985, then ran s sucessful Boise motorcycle business for 40 years.

The Governor’s office stated, each of the individuals pardoned paid their debt to society, did not commit any subsequent felonies or misdemeanors and made exemplary contributions to their communities through business, volunteerism, and community leadership after fulfilling their sentence.

“The goal of the criminal justice system is to punish the crime and rehabilitate offenders,” Governor Little said. “Mr. Wiley and Mr. Taylor have demonstrated how the system can succeed through their service and dedication to their communities following their sentences. Their effort to better themselves and those around them was a key factor in my decision to grant these pardons.”