Credible thing to do would be to leave it for the incoming governor.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Outgoing Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe took the first official step Friday toward pardoning his son for a felony marijuana conviction 11 years ago, a move he’s defended as no different from the second chance he has given other offenders.
The two-term Democratic governor formally announced his intent to pardon his 34-year-old son Kyle, who was convicted in 2003 of marijuana possession with intent to deliver. The move kicks off a 30-day waiting period to receive public feedback on the pardons before final action is taken. Beebe had first announced plans to pardon his son last month.
“We take input on any and all cases,” Beebe spokesman Matt DeCample said. “I think he knows the details of this case quite well, but again on any case he’s open to new information that comes up during that period.”
The state Parole Board – all of them appointed by Beebe – recommended a pardon for Kyle Beebe in October. Mike Beebe was Arkansas’ attorney general when his son was convicted. Kyle Beebe was sentenced to three years’ supervised probation, $1,150 in fines and court costs and had his driver’s license suspended for six months.