Asa Hutchinson Grants Pardons

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Friday his intention to grant 16 pardons requested from both inmates and non-inmates. All applications considered have completed jail time, fulfilled parole and probation requirements, and paid all fines related to their sentence. Of those 16 is Charles Lester of Hope. Lester was convicted with 2 counts of felony charges dating back to 1991 and 1995 in Hempstead county. Lester is being considered due to having served his time as well as no further criminal-law violations. There is currently a 30-day waiting period to receive public feedback on the notice of pardons before final action is taken. Currently there are no law enforcement objections to Lester’s application.