Idaho Gov. Issues Surprising Pardon of Convicted Marijuana Trafficker

Ronald Steven Parker was convicted in both 1976 and 1981 on three marijuana sales charges. His sentence was only 8-years probation and 90-days in jail. Governor Otter opted to make Parker his fourth pardon in his 12-years in office.

After serving his sentence, Parker did have a successful career in the high-tech industry, according to Idaho Statesman. Parker is now retired.  Part of the decision Parker received may have been due to his volunteer work and participation in his church.

Otter said, “While it is true every sinner has a past, it is also true they have a future. Key to defining that future is whether an offender avails him or herself to the difficult soul-searching needed to achieve meaningful rehabilitation and redemption. Often times, an offender is not up to the task because it is too hard. But Ronald Parker has not only done that heavy lifting, he has repaid his debt to society, taken responsibility for his actions and has lived a life that other offenders in our system would do well to emulate.”

Parker received a unanimous decision that was recommended by the Idaho Commission for Pardons and Parole.