Governor Pardons Man Exonerated in Rape Case
Gov. Rick Perry pardoned a man who served 4 1/2 years in prison on a rape conviction but was exonerated by DNA tests conducted after a state audit revealed problems in the Houston police crime evidence lab.
The pardon of Josiah Sutton, 22, clears his criminal record, restores rights and allows for state reparations of up to $25,000 per year in prison.
Sutton was released in March 2003, but needed the pardon to lift his designation as a convicted sex offender. Perry acted after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended he grant a pardon.
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