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Saturday, August 18, 2007

Gov. Rick Perry pardons felon after DA agrees


Gov. Rick Perry (photo) Issues One Pardon for Innocence

Austin – Gov. Rick Perry granted a pardon for innocence to Gilbert Amezquita of Harris County after a favorable recommendation by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recommending his case for clemency.

Amezquita was convicted of aggravated assault in Harris County in 1998. He received a 15 year sentence for this offense. The Harris County District Attorney petitioned the Board of Pardons and Paroles for a pardon for innocence after the case was returned to Harris County by an appellate court.

Further investigation led the district attorney and other local officials to conclude that another person had committed the offense. The district attorney, sheriff and police chief all supported the pardon for innocence.

“After considering recommendations from the district attorney, district judge, sheriff, police chief, and the Board of Pardons and Paroles, it is evident that Gilbert Amezquita is innocent of the 1998 conviction set against him,” Perry said. “I feel confident that this pardon is just and must be granted.”

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