Governor scolded for pardon backlog

[flashl]

Marlon Pendleton walked out of an Illinois prison a hopeful man after more than a decade locked up for a rape he did not commit.

Cleared by DNA evidence, he sought a pardon from the governor and about $140,000 in automatic state compensation. Two years later, he's still waiting, his optimism frayed by poverty that has him sleeping on his sister's couch in Indiana.

"They say once you pay your debt to society, it's over," said Pendleton, his voice bristling with anger. "But I didn't even owe a debt to society, and I paid it, and it's not over."

A growing backlog has Pendleton and about 1,600 others waiting for months and even years for clemency decisions from Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Pendleton, 51, has a separate rape conviction for which he served his time, but he is seeking a pardon only for the rape he was cleared of by DNA.

...

The delay has led a dozen convicted felons to file a federal lawsuit alleging Blagojevich is taking too long to make pardon decisions. In their cases, a pardon would allow their criminal records to be expunged, likely improving their chances to find work. Some have been waiting for a decision since 2004.

Chicago Tribune

Backlog is a contributor in the greatest 'lock up' country in recent history.