Current:Home > FinanceNorth Carolina governor commutes prisoner’s sentence, pardons four ex-offenders -ProfitPioneers Hub
North Carolina governor commutes prisoner’s sentence, pardons four ex-offenders
View
Date:2025-04-18 22:04:52
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday commuted the sentence of a man imprisoned since he was a teenager in connection with a fatal robbery and shooting and also issued pardons to four other people convicted of crimes committed in their youth.
The commutation went to Darnell Cherry Jr., 42, who was convicted in 1999 of second-degree murder, burglary and other counts related to the death and robbery of Robert Earl Edwards, Jr. and the robbery and shooting of Sonja Williams in Bertie County, according to Cooper’s office and state correction records.
The commutation takes effect Jan. 3. It followed a recommendation from a special board that Cooper created to review petitions from people sentenced to prison for crimes committed while they were under the age of 18. Cherry’s projected release date was otherwise set for 2035. Cooper’s news release cited Cherry for being consistently employed while incarcerated and obtaining his GED diploma and trade qualifications.
The pardons of forgiveness were issued to ex-offenders for crimes they committed in their teens or early 20s and whom Cooper wrote have had records of “responsible civic behavior and community service” since their convictions.
One of the ex-offenders — Flemming Ragas, who was convicted of breaking and entering, larceny and possession of stolen goods in Lee and Cumberland counties in 1999 — served in the military in Iraq. Another pardon recipient — W. Samuel Fagg, convicted of possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine in Wake County in 2002 — has a doctoral degree and performs scientific research, Cooper’s release said.
Pardons of forgiveness are different from pardons of innocence and appear to bar the use of the convictions in subsequent criminal proceedings, according to an article on the University of North Carolina School of Government website.
Others receiving Wednesday’s pardons are Portia Bright-Pittman, who was convicted of accessory after the fact to armed robbery in Orange County in 2008, and Tramayne Hinton, convicted of robbery in Perquimans County in 1998.
Wednesday’s actions occurred after reviews by Cooper and staff within his office, the news release said.
veryGood! (716)
Related
- Drones warned New York City residents about storm flooding. The Spanish translation was no bueno
- 'First one to help anybody': Missouri man drowns after rescuing 2 people in lake
- Taylor Swift Praises Charli XCX Amid Feud Rumors
- Yes, petroleum jelly is a good moisturizer, but beware before you use it on your face
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Lando Norris outruns Max Verstappen to win F1 Dutch Grand Prix
- Manslaughter probe announced in Sicily yacht wreck that killed 7
- Nevada men face trial for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at Lake Mead recreation area
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- The Best Breathable, Lightweight & Office-Ready Work Pants for Summer
Ranking
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Dr. Anthony Fauci recovering after hospitalization from West Nile virus
- Fair-goers scorched by heartland heat wave take refuge under misters as some schools let out early
- Emily in Paris Season 4’s Part 2 Trailer Teases New Love and More Drama Than Ever Before
- FBI: California woman brought sword, whip and other weapons into Capitol during Jan. 6 riot
- Powerball winning numbers for August 24: Jackpot now worth $44 million
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hidden Costs
- Kelly Osbourne says Slipknot's Sid Wilson 'set himself on fire' in IG video from hospital
Recommendation
Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
Search continues for woman missing after Colorado River flash flood at Grand Canyon National Park
US expands area in Mexico to apply for border asylum appointments, hoping to slow push north
Mayweather goes the distance against Gotti III in Mexico City
Big Lots store closures could exceed 300 nationwide, discount chain reveals in filing
Daughter of ex-MLB pitcher Greg Swindell reported missing, multi-state search underway
Court tosses Missouri law that barred police from enforcing federal gun laws
Mega Millions winning numbers for August 23 drawing; Jackpot soars to $575 million