Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday pardoned 63 former criminal offenders who have served their sentences and stayed out of legal trouble since being released, including five who were convicted in San Diego County.
The governor issued the pardons in conjunction with Good Friday.
Those with San Diego connections include:
— Todd Myron Anderson, who was convicted of manufacturing a controlled substance in 1988 and spent five years on probation;
— John Byron Forrest, who was convicted of possession of a controlled substance for sale in 1992 and served 18 months in prison;
— Harmony Lorelei Lee, who was convicted of transportation of a controlled substance in 1991 and was imprisoned for 10 months;
— Robert B. Nicewander, who was convicted of possession of a controlled substance for sale in 1991 and spent three years on probation; and
— Wendy Kay Thompson Pruitt, who was convicted of possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession in excess of 1 kilogram and spent 20 months in prison.
According to the governor's office, pardons are granted to people who have demonstrated exemplary behavior and have lived productive and law-abiding lives following their conviction. Most applicants obtain a Certificate of Rehabilitation from a Superior Court to demonstrate that they are law-abiding.
Once a pardon is granted, the state Department of Justice and the FBI are notified so that they may update their records on the applicant. The pardon is filed with the Secretary of State and the Legislature, and it is a public record.
