PIERRE, S.D. – A divided South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles has voted to recommend a pardon for a 57-year-old man convicted of sexual contact with a minor in 2001.
The man, who has not been charged with another crime since the conviction, told the board he has spent the past 25 years rebuilding his life and recently lost his job in the logging industry. His application included support letters from family members and the victim, who said she has forgiven him.
The case sparked debate among board members about the purpose of pardons, with some arguing decades of good behavior should weigh heavily in favor of clemency, while others questioned whether the circumstances justified removing the conviction from his record.
The board ultimately voted 5 to 4 to recommend a pardon. The final decision now rests with Governor Larry Rhoden, who has sole authority to grant or deny pardons in South Dakota.
