Gov. Jared Polis granted seven prison sentence commutations and 21 pardons just before Christmas.  

Commutations involve reducing a judicial sentence to one less severe, while pardons exempt people from punishment. His office announced the pardons on Friday.

In 2019, Polis re-created the Executive Clemency Advisory Board, which reviews clemency applications and makes recommendations to Polis regarding commutations and pardons.

Polis granted full and unconditional pardons to the following people:

• James Bell pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in El Paso County in 1987. Bell has helped others with addictions, reached near 30 years of sobriety and is serving as a positive role model, Polis wrote in his pardon letter. 

• Adam Bennett pleaded guilty to first-degree trespass at a home in Mesa County in 2002. He started a safe swim nonprofit and has demonstrated devotion to his family and community, Polis wrote.

• Amber Breay pleaded guilty to theft between $1,000 and $20,000 and attempted theft under $500 in 2009. In 2011, Breay pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of a financial transaction device under $1,000 and theft under $500 in Jefferson County. She has taken responsibility for her actions and showed commitment to work and becoming a nurse, Polis said.

• Donna Chavez pleaded guilty to first-degree trespassing with conspiracy at a home in Jefferson County in 2013. She has made continued change in her life to benefit her children and has gotten a degree, Polis wrote.

• Eric Christensen pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary in Boulder County in 1983. He has since earned degrees and found success in work, Polis said.

• Todd Cummings pleaded guilty to theft in Alamosa County in 1983. He has had a successful career in loss prevention and is described as a community leader and commendable volunteer, Polis said.

• Gregory Fanger pleaded guilty to unlawful distribution of a schedule II controlled substance in Garfield County in 1985. He built a successful small business and has been active in helping people in his community, Polis wrote. 

• Kimberly Finley pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a schedule II controlled substance in Arapahoe County in 1988. She has lived out her commitment to staying drug-free and has dedicated her time to care and service, Polis wrote.

• Robbie Finley pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary in Boulder County in 1983 and possession of a schedule III controlled substance in Arapahoe County in 1988. He and his wife, Kimberly Finley, were both pardoned, with Polis writing he hopes they continue to serve communities in need.

• Robert Glenister pleaded guilty to theft between $500 and $15,000 in Lake County in 2003; fraud by check for less than $100 along with fraud by check between $50 and $200 in Routt County in 2004. In 2005, he pleaded guilty to forgery of a check in Otero County. He is an active volunteer and described as an “upstanding citizen with a huge heart,” Polis wrote.

• Valencia Green pleaded guilty to theft between $500 and $15,000 and criminal impersonation for benefit in 2006 in Arapahoe County. She has earned several degrees and worked to combat homelessness, Polis said.

• Michael Hartnett pleaded guilty to possession of a schedule II controlled substance in Logan County in 2000. He sets a positive example for his community and has stayed on the right path through hard work and dedication, Polis wrote.

• Gunnison Hunt pleaded guilty to forgery of a check or commercial instrument in Mesa County in 2008. His letters of reference spoke to “perseverance and dedication” and he has been striving for a better life, Polis wrote.

• Jonathan Hunt pleaded guilty to possession of a schedule II controlled substance and criminal mischief between $100 and $500 in Morgan County in 2006. He has overcome a difficult childhood and addiction and worked his way up in his career, Polis said.

• Edward Nestor II pleaded guilty to first-degree introducing contraband in Fremont County in 1989. In 1992, Nestor II pleaded guilty to theft in Morgan County. He created a successful business and has been a loving and supportive father, Polis wrote. 

• Michael Robinson pleaded guilty to cultivating marijuana in Larimer County in 2005. He sets a positive example for his community and has a “readiness” to take on the burdens of others, Polis wrote. 

• Andrea Smith pleaded guilty to felony menacing with a real or simulated weapon in El Paso County in 2011. She has served her country and community as a volunteer and is getting a counseling degree to help those in need, Polis said.

• Traci Smith pleaded guilty to possessing, or using, marijuana in a detention facility in Broomfield County in 2006. She is a consistent volunteer with steady employment, dedicated to her family and to bettering herself, Polis said.

• Rebbecca Soper pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in Larimer County in 1990. She has stayed sober and dedicates time to her family and overcoming breast cancer, Polis said.

• Alma Vidauri was convicted of theft between $20,000 and $100,000, along with three counts of check or commercial instrument forgery in Garfield County in 2017. She is an active member of her community and church, and is a leader and speaker about female empowerment, Polis said.

• Craig Worth Jr. pleaded guilty to aggravated driving with a revoked license in 2012. He has turned his life around, working in public service as an EMT and wants to become a law enforcement officer, Polis said.

Polis granted limited commutation to the following people:

• David Carrillo was convicted of first-degree murder with criminal conspiracy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor in 1994. He was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for life without the possibility of parole. He will now be eligible for parole as of Jan. 31, 2024. He was part of a group of defendants who “engaged in conduct that led to the death of another individual,” Polis wrote. Another member of the group committed murder while he stood “some distance away.” The member of the group who was actually the shooter was already released, Polis said. In addition, Carrillo has put in “tremendous work” to change his mindset and pursue his educational goals.

• Bradley Erickson was convicted of theft by receiving and fencing over $1,000 and second-degree burglary of a dwelling in 2013. He was sentenced to prison for 44 years with an estimated parole eligibility date in 2028. He has put in the work to better himself while helping others to do the same and is “remorseful and ready to advance to a new phase of life,” Polis wrote. He will be eligible for parole on Jan. 15, 2025.

• Paul Freeman was convicted of aggravated robbery with a real or simulated weapon and second-degree assault causing injury with a deadly weapon in 2007. He has taken accountability for his actions and has a strong work ethic, going above and beyond, Polis wrote. He was granted a limited commutation to be eligible for parole on Jan. 15, 2025.

• David Heckman was convicted of 17 counts of second-degree burglary, theft of more than $15,000, four counts of first-degree aggravated motor vehicle, theft under $15,000, second-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft over $15,000, first-degree auto trespass with intent to commit crime, second-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft between $500 and $15,000, first-degree trespass, first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft $30,000 or less, and three counts of theft by receiving between $500 and $15,000. Polis called his sentence “excessive,” being more than most receive for more serious charges. He has since maintained steady employment and had a positive influence on others in his community, Polis wrote. He will be parole eligible on Jan. 15, 2028.

• Gordon Johnston was convicted of distribution of a schedule I controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a schedule I controlled substance in 2012. Polis said his sentence is “well beyond the typical range” for his crimes. He will be eligible for parole starting Jan. 15, 2026.

• Samuel Martinez III was convicted of aggravated robbery with a real or simulated weapon in 2009. He has expressed “deep remorse” for his crimes and has put in a lot of work to improve his life and take accountability for his actions, Polis wrote. He will be eligible for parole on Jan. 15, 2027.

• Edgar Reed was convicted of three counts of aggravated robbery with intent to kill, maim or wound with a weapon, theft of $15,000 or more, three counts of felony menacing with a real or simulated weapon, and aggravated robbery with a weapon in 2004. He was sentenced to 44 years with an estimated parole eligibility date in 2028. Since then, he has put in “tremendous work” to learn and changed his ways and maintained steady employment, Polis said. He now has a mandatory release date of Sept. 27, 2032.