Former GOP Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin Pardons Convicted Child Molesters & Murderers Before Leaving Office

Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) had pardoned hundreds of criminals before leaving the office. Under the executive order, Bevin had released about 161 pardons and filed 419 commutations on December 11. Since then, Bevin’s controversial decisions have received criticism from the public after issuing pardons to rapists, murders, convicted criminals and other people with minor offenses.

Micah Schoettle was serving a 23-year sentence after being convicted as a child rapist. However, Bevin has pardoned his sentencing on Wednesday just after serving 18 months behind bars. The mother’s victim felt as his Bevin’s pardon was “a slap in the face” when Bevin concluded there was no physical evidence to support the case. Bevin stated, “Micah Schoettle was tried and convicted of a heinous crime based on testimony that was not supported by any physical evidence.”

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Bevin also pardoned Patrick Baker, who was convicted of homicide. Baker had served two years of his 19-year sentence. Bakers’ family raised more than $20,000 for Bevin’s gubernatorial campaign in 2015.

Bevin was defeated by Democrat Andy Beshear in a close election in November.

In response to the public criticism, Bevin had a series of 20 tweets to defend his pardons stating, “Not one person receiving a pardon would I not welcome as a co-worker, neighbor, or to sit beside me or any member of my family in a church pew or at a public event.”

His most recent tweet seemed to dismiss his controversial actions.