Gov. Jerry Brown announced pardons or sentence reductions for some 150 convicted criminals, including eight whose crimes were committed in San Diego County.
In all, the Governor pardoned 132 people and commuted the sentences of 19. The order included pardons for about 60 people convicted of making, selling or possessing drugs, including marijuana.
One of the eight people who committed crimes in San Diego County was Jeremy Stewart, who received a sentence commutation.
In 2010, Stewart, a convicted felon, burglarized two homes and stole thousands of dollars worth of property. Under the three strikes law, he was sentenced to 70 years to life in prison.
His prior convictions included other burglaries, petty theft, receipt of stolen property, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to Brown’s commutation, Stewart acknowledged his criminal history and a drug addiction. He has been a model prisoner and during his incarceration received a degree in social and behavioral science from Coastline Community College, according to Brown.
He will be released on parole as a result of Brown’s action.
The Board of Parole Hearings recommended the commutation.
Brown also pardoned seven people who were convicted of crimes in San Diego County:
- Jose Cazares Zazueta, who was sentenced in 2003 for “selling or furnishing marijuana.”
- Javier Chaidez, who was sentenced in 1999 for transporting controlled substances.
- Jack Ruot Chuol, who now resides in Nebraska, was sentenced in San Diego in 1999 for using fraud to obtain aid. She was released from prison in 2004.
- James P. Clarke, who now resides in Texas, served three years probation after a 1994 conviction for possession of a controlled substance.
- Roger Leo Clawson, who now lives in Idaho, knowlingly purchased a stolen car for $450 and was sentenced in 1988 to three years probation.
- George Douglas Stricker, who now resides in Oregon, was sentenced in 2000 for tax evasion.
- Raquel Maria Vazquez was sentenced in 1997 for assault with a deadly weapon (not a firearm) and driving under the influence.
Criminals who request pardons must have completed their sentences and shown that they are reformed.
–Staff