Topeka – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently announced that she granted pardons to two individuals, Anthony Mitchell and Richard McMichael, who demonstrated strong signs of rehabilitation.
The decision followed thorough reviews by the Prison Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team. Key factors in the pardons included the individuals’ commitment to rehabilitation, responsibility for their actions, and contributions to society.
Governor Kelly emphasized that rehabilitation was a central factor in her decision, stating, “Granting these pardons will give a second chance to two individuals who have taken responsibility for their actions and are working to move on with their lives.”
The pardon recipients are:
- Anthony Mitchell, previously incarcerated for drug convictions.
- Richard McMichael, who had two prior drug convictions and a conviction for aggravated battery involving a deadly weapon. McMichael was released from prison in March 2024.
Clemency applications in Kansas undergo a detailed process, which includes a review by the Prisoner Review Board, a published notice in the county newspaper, and consideration of several factors such as the nature of the offense, impact on victims, and the individual’s achievements while incarcerated.
For more information on the clemency process, the Governor’s Office directs interested individuals to the Prisoner Review Board’s website, and encourages victims or survivors to contact the Office of Victim Services for confidential support.