Gov. Otter pardons man convicted of statutory rape as teen

Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has granted his fifth pardon during his 12 years in office.

The governor’s office in a news release Friday says Otter pardoned Aaron M. Bonney. Bonney in 1997 at the age of 18 was convicted of the statutory rape of his 15-year-old girlfriend.

The Idaho Commission for Pardons and Parole in October unanimously approved Bonney’s request for a pardon and recommended Bonney receive a rare pardon from the governor.

Bonney in 2004 completed his probation and eventually returned to school. In 2017, he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Boise State University.

Otter says Bonney committed a serious crime but has taken responsibility for past mistakes, setting himself on a path to better his life.

Otter’s four previous pardons involved drug crimes.