A Pardon Story

This article reviews the story of one Eddie Trobough, who was pardoned by George W. Bush this month. Trobough was sentenced to three month's probation after being caught with moonshine in 1965. He served his probation, was gainfully employed and remained "clean" for four decades, but Trobough found the pardon application materials in the Department of Justice to be "confusing" and "complex." At least two lawyers advised him that he didn't have any serious chance of receiving a pardon. But a single F.B.I. agent interviewed Trobough and a minister who had assisted him with the application process and 19 months later ... a pardon. Just like that!

Compare with these stories: John Bodendieck, who was given three years' probation in 1959 for stealing a vehicle and applied in 2005, Daniel Freeman, who was given three years' probation in 1963 for a liquor violation and applied in 2004, Debbie Conklin, who was given five years' probation on a drug charge in 1990 and filed her application in 2002.