Gov. Jared Polis announced that he granted seven commutations and 21 pardons on Tuesday.
He granted commutations to David Carrillo, Bradley Erickson, Paul Freeman, David Heckman, Gordon Johnston, Samuel Martinez, and Edgar Reed.
A commutation is an act of leniency that reduces the severity of the punishment.
Among the 21 people pardoned were Eric P. Christensen and Robbie J. Finley from Boulder County.
A pardon does not mean these individuals are innocent of their crimes, only that they have been forgiven and are once again considered to be law-abiding citizens.
These two men were found guilty in 1983 for breaking into a church’s music room at 2:30 a.m. The two men took over $10,000 worth of equipment and completed probation, community service and paid restitution to the victims.
Both men are now 60 years old. Christensen completed a GED, an undergraduate degree and an MBA from New York University since the crime was committed. He has since been steadily employed and been active in his community.
Finley has also maintained steady employment while attending school at Front Range Community College and the University of Northern Colorado. He has been married for over 33 years and has worked with individuals with special needs. His work with these individuals has inspired him to seek out a career as a special education teacher.
The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office is in agreement with the governor’s act of clemency, according to a news release.
“Both individuals took full responsibility for this crime. In their clemency applications, each one recognized their mistake and did not minimize the consequences of their actions. Each went on to build a successful life, career, and family. This office strongly supported their requests for a pardon because they have demonstrated that the barriers associated with a felony conviction are no longer necessary or appropriate. I appreciate Governor Polis seeking our input and granting clemency to these two people,” said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty.
