Texas governor doesn't pardon George Floyd after parole board withdraws recommendation
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Driving the news: The board had recommended a full pardon for Floyd for the charge, for which he served 10 months in prison. A spokesperson for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) told the Morning News that recommendation "contained procedural errors" and said there had been a "lack of compliance with Board rules."
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"As a result of the Board's withdrawal of the recommendation concerning George Floyd, Governor Abbott did not have the opportunity to consider it," the spokesperson added.
The big picture: Floyd, whose murder by a former Minneapolis police officer sparked global anti-racism protests last year, was arrested during a Houston police sting operation for selling $10 worth of crack, per AP.
The officer who arrested him, Gerald Goines, is facing two murder charges and has been accused of lying to justify warrants over a 2019 drug raid.
The Harris County Public Defender's office alleged Goines fabricated a confidential informant in Floyd's case.
What they're saying: Allison Mathis, a Houston public defender who applied for a posthumous pardon for Floyd, told the Morning News the recommendation withdrawal was "outrageous."
"Greg Abbott and his political appointees have let their politics triumph over the right thing to do and what is clearly is justice," Mathis said.
"I expected an up or a down vote. I did not expect this kind of misconduct."
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
1 comment:
The State Parole Board serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Now Governor Abbott knows what and who he has serving the people. I'll wager resignations will be forthcoming. IMHO, Governor Abbott who was caught off guard by the Pardon recommendation is pissed off and heads will roll.
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