Gov. Laura Kelly on Friday pardoned two Kansas men convicted on drug-related charges who she said show strong signs of rehabilitation.
“The decision to grant these pardons comes after a meticulous and thorough review process,” Kelly said in a statement.
“One of the largest factors taken into consideration is a person’s commitment to rehabilitation, making amends, and positively contributing to society,” she said.
“Granting these pardons will give a second chance to two individuals who have taken responsibility for their actions and are working to move on with their lives.”
Kelly pardoned Richard McMichael, who was convicted in 2018, in Douglas County, for distribution of alprazolam, which is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
He also was convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia and aggravated battery.
He was sentenced to 61 months in prison, with 36 months of post-release supervision. He was released from prison last March.
She also pardoned Anthony Mitchell, who was convicted in 2005 in Wyandotte County for possession of cocaine. He was sentenced to 12 months of probation.
He has completed his sentence and his conviction was expunged in 2010.
Kelly took into consideration numerous factors to determine if the pardons were warranted, including but not limited to the nature of the offense, the impact of the crime on victims, demonstration of rehabilitation and criminal history, among other factors.
Earlier this month, Kelly granted clemency to seven Kansans, including the commutation of the sentence for Lauren M. Holle, who has been in prison since September 2010 after she was convicted on charges related to the death of her newborn child.
She has already served 169 months of her 233-month sentence, and her earliest possible parole would have been in January 2027.
Holle has already served more time than if her sentences on three separate charges had run concurrently rather than consecutively.
With the pardons announced Friday, Kelly has now granted clemency to 17 people since taking office as governor in 2019.
In 2021, Kelly issued three pardons and commuted sentences of five others.
