Evers Gives Second Chance To 13 Wisconsinites, Issues Pardons

MADISON, WI — Gov. Tony Evers said he has granted pardons to 13 Wisconsinites on Friday, bringing the total number he has issued to 157.

The latest batch of pardons involves people who were convicted of either drug or theft offenses. To qualify for a pardon a person would need to have their sentence completed at least five years prior to applying for one and not have committed any news offenses, according to the governor's office.

The application would be reviewed by the governor's Pardon Advisory Board before going to Evers for final consideration. People who have been convicted of sex offenses and are registered as sex offenders are not eligible for a pardon.

“Through a pardon, an individual is given the opportunity to make amends and give back to their community and our state,” Evers said in a statement. “It continues to be extraordinary listening to the stories of so many who have paid their debt and deserve a second chance.”

Although a pardon restores certain rights a person lost when convicted of a felony, such as the ability to vote or hold public office, it does not mean the crime has been expunged from their record, the governor's office said.

Here’s the full list of pardons issued by the governor:

Brenton Bach was in his early 20s when he sold marijuana to a friend working as an undercover informant. Living now in Mount Horeb, he is trained and eager to chart a career path in coding.

Samuel Cantrall was a teenager when he and a friend committed a series of thefts, burglaries, and damage to property. Now in his 50s, he lives with his family in Bloomer and has maintained employment in construction and manufacturing.

Keshia Christian was a single mother of five when she turned to selling an illegal substance to help support her family. Now living in West Bend, she is preparing to open her own family business.

Tamarr Dedrick was 22 when she and a friend purchased food and other goods with fraudulent checks. She now lives in Milwaukee where she hopes to open a home for girls and continue her work as a mentor.

Steven Lemke sold an ATV that he had stolen when he was 22. Now an over-the-road truck driver, his home is in Fence where he aspires to run for public office.

Lillion McElwee struggled with a substance use disorder in her early life, culminating in her conviction for selling an illegal substance to an undercover officer. She lives in Milwaukee where she cares for children as a foster parent and hopes to one day open her own daycare.

Richard Meidl sold an illegal substance in the 1980s to support his own substance use disorder. A U.S. Navy veteran, he lives in Manitowoc and looks forward to being able to hunt with his friends and family.

Joshueh Schneider was 18 when he and a friend committed theft and burglary from homes and businesses. He now co-owns his family construction business in Whitewater.

Teresa Scholtz was a teenager when she brought contraband into the jail where she was serving a sentence. She resides with her family in Chippewa Falls and aims to make a career of her passion for working with kids.

Gordon Schulties grew marijuana for personal pain management 10 years ago. Now retired, he lives in Superior and spends as much time as he can with his grandkids.

Thomas Simonsen sold marijuana to a friend working as a confidential informant now more than 30 years ago. He has been an installation carpenter for nearly 20 years and lives in Jackson with his family.

Tyson Willis was 19 when he was caught selling an illegal substance. Twenty-six years later, he has made the dean’s list several times while working toward his business degree. He lives in Racine.

Anthony Zimdars was 20 when he sold marijuana to a confidential informant and violated the terms of his bail agreement to support his substance use disorder. Approaching his 12th year of sobriety, he lives and works in Oconomowoc.