SACRAMENTO — Gov. Jerry Brown announced on April 18 (Good Friday) that he has granted 63 pardons.
The individuals granted pardons all completed their sentences and have been released from custody for more than a decade without further criminal activity. Among them is Kevin Nakamoto, a California resident who submitted an application for executive clemency.
He was sentenced on or about Feb. 2, 1998 in Orange County Superior Court for the crime of burglary and grand theft. Nakamoto apparently broke into several garages and cars and took items from them.
He served five years probation and 270 days in jail. He was discharged on Feb. 2, 2003, having completed his sentence.
“Kevin Nakamoto has complied with the provisions of Sections 4852.01to 4852.2, inclusive, of the Penal Code of California, which provide a procedure whereby a person may, after completion of their sentences, seek restoration of the rights of citizenship, and apply for a pardon,” Brown said in a statement.
“He has obtained from the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Orange an order dated Aug. 20, 2013, evidencing that since his release from custody, he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character, and conducted himself as a law-abiding citizen.
“By granting the Certificate of Rehabilitation, the court has recommended that he be granted a full pardon. By the laws of this state it is proper that I … give testimony that, by completion of his sentence and good conduct in the community of his residence since his release, Kevin Nakamoto has paid his debt to society and earned a full and unconditional pardon.”
Pardons are not granted unless they are earned. When a pardon is granted, the California Department of Justice and the FBI are notified so that they may update their records on the applicant. The pardon is filed with the California Secretary of State’s Office and the Legislature, and it is a public record.