Governor Parson Grants over 200 Pardons since Coming to Office

On December 27, Governor Parson issued his latest round of pardons bringing his total to date to 231 pardons and 16 commutations. He has denied over 1,100 clemency requests. Governor Parson is on pace to review and render decisions on more clemency applications in his first four years in office than any Missouri Governor in the last 40 years. Governor Parson inherited more than 3,500 clemency applications when he took office on June 1, 2018. 

For historical purposes, Governor Holden (2001-2005) granted 45 clemency applications and denied 847; Governor Blunt (2005-2009) granted 17 clemency applications and denied 1,869; Governor Nixon (2009-2017) granted 110 clemency applications and denied 212; and, Governor Greitens (2017-2018) granted 10 clemency applications and denied 283.

Clemency is an act of mercy for individuals who have redeemed themselves and demonstrated a change of life. Pursuant to state statute, clemency applications should be made to the Missouri Parole Board, which conducts an investigation and then sends the file to the Governor’s office for final review and a decision