The Nebraska Board of Pardons considered 35 pardon applications during its Aug. 25 meeting and approved 19 applications, or 54%, while denying others based on factors including the seriousness of offenses, concerns about applicants’ candor, incomplete rehabilitation or insufficient time since a conviction. Several applications were also tabled, including cases where applicants were absent or additional information was needed.
The meeting included individual hearings for applicants seeking pardons for offenses ranging from theft and drug convictions to assault, burglary and DUI. Gov. Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers (Secretary of State Bob Evnen was absent) questioned applicants about their criminal histories, rehabilitation, sobriety, restitution and relationships with victims and family members. Some applicants who received pardons described years of sobriety, community involvement, family responsibilities and efforts to make amends for past actions, while others were denied after board members raised concerns about unresolved issues or discrepancies in their applications.
Meeting documented by Jeanie Mezger
Read full meeting notes here
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Leah Wambui Keinama boasts a robust professional journey, commencing as a systems engineer and integrator within the software industry. In this capacity, she excelled in the conception, design, construction, and deployment of software systems, adeptly managing projects from inception to completion. Transitioning into the nonprofit realm, Leah directed her expertise towards enhancing food systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and bolstering food accessibility while fostering resilient communities. Her repertoire includes comprehensive program design skills coupled with a profound commitment to community engagement. Leah's fervor for cultivating networks and forging meaningful connections underscores her dedication to advancing organizational goals.
