"As someone who has known Sonya as a friend for many years, on a personal level I was glad to hear she isn't going to prison which is a hard place for anyone, no less a retired 68-year old pharmacist. But it is not lost on me that she was convicted of the exact same felony charge as Tina Peters - attempting to influence a public official - and yet Tina Peters, as a non-violent first time offender got a nine year sentence."
"Gay Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced Tuesday that he is considering pardoning former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters, who was convicted of election interference in state court in August 2024 and given a nine-year prison sentence. Only a few months ago, in December, Polis reaffirmed he would not capitulate to the president's threats of 'harsh measures' if Peters remained behind bars."
Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced he is considering pardoning former county clerk Tina Peters, who was convicted of election interference and sentenced to nine years in prison in August 2024. Previously, in December, Polis stated he would respect the court's decision and not yield to presidential pressure regarding Peters' case. However, Polis reconsidered after noting that former state Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis received only probation and community service for attempting to influence a public official—the same felony charge as Peters. Polis emphasized that both individuals committed identical crimes but received vastly different sentences. He stated that justice should be applied evenly and is using this sentencing disparity as context while considering clemency cases.
#clemency-and-pardons #criminal-justice-sentencing-disparity #election-interference #political-leadership
Read at LGBTQ Nation
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