Gov. Nixon grants pardons to 15, including Jasper County man

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

Gov. Jay Nixon announced today that he has granted pardons to 15 individuals, each of whom has completed his sentence and become a law-abiding citizen. To date, the Governor has granted 76 pardons and commuted the sentences of three incarcerated offenders.

“Because the power to pardon and commute sentences is a singular authority vested in the Governor, every application for clemency that reaches my office receives a close review,” Gov. Nixon said. “These are decisions not taken lightly, and those who receive pardons have served their sentences and, in the years since, have clearly demonstrated they are contributing members of society.”

Those granted pardons are:

Eugene Lesh, who served two years in the Department of Corrections before being paroled for his conviction in 1991 on two counts of selling marijuana in Jasper County. Lesh has obtained his associate’s degree and is currently self-employed.

Michael Radford, who served six months in the Department of Corrections before being paroled for his 1983 convictions of second-degree burglary and stealing in Texas County. Radford has maintained gainful employment and currently works a maintenance worker.

Joseph Clayton, who was found guilty of distribution of a controlled substance in Greene County in 1996 and was placed on a five-year term of probation. Since completing probation, Clayton has been employed in the construction industry.

Alva Ruark, who pled guilty to stealing in Buchanan County in 1980 and was placed on a three-year term of probation. Ruark retired after working for 40 years in a factory and currently farms.
Terry Thompson, who was placed on a four-year term of probation after being convicted of second-degree burglary in 1998 in Pemiscot County. Thompson now works as a registered nurse in Tennessee.

Ivan Mekan, who served 18 months in the Department of Corrections after being convicted of selling marijuana in 1985 in both Dunklin and Stoddard County. Mekan now owns his own construction company and serves as a pastor and city councilman in Bernie.

James Payne, who was placed on a five-year term of probation after being found guilty of possession of marijuana in 1986 in Greene County. Payne is a small business owner and is active in the Springfield community.

Corey Allison, who was convicted on two counts of possession of a controlled substance in 2000 in Lafayette County and was placed on a five-year term of probation. Allison now resides in Ohio and is set to begin college classes next month.

Brian Elam, who was placed on a five-year term of probation after being found guilty of stealing in Ray County in 1997. Elam has maintained gainful employment and lives in the state of Texas.

David Kremer, who served eight months in the Department of Corrections before being paroled for his convictions for burglary and stealing in St. Charles County in 1971. Kremer, a Vietnam veteran, is currently retired and lives in Arizona.

Donald Saultz, who was placed on a five-year term of probation after being found guilty of stealing in 1975 in Clay County. Saultz is a Vietnam veteran and maintained gainful employment before retiring.

Anson Sutherland, who was convicted on two counts of distribution of a controlled substance in 2000 in Lafayette County and was placed on a five-year term of probation. Sutherland is currently employed in the medical field.

Charles Slaughter, who was discharged early from a three-year term of probation after being found guilty of carrying a concealed weapon in 1970 in St. Louis. Slaughter is retired.

James Eaves, who was placed on a five-year term of probation after being found guilty of receiving stolen property and stealing in 1986 in Chariton County. Eaves is currently self employed.
Edward Moore, who pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance in 1993 in DeKalb County and was sentenced to a five-year term of probation. Moore is retired.