WASHINGTON, DC – In his last full day of office Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued a long list of commutations and pardons. Those included South Dakotans previously convicted of felonies. The pardons were supported by Gov. Kristi Noem and Sen. Mike Rounds.
In letters sent to the President in November, Governor Kristi Noem advocated for presidential pardons for some South Dakotans.
“I am tremendously thankful to President Trump for his support of these three pardons,” Governor Noem said. “The Trump administration has done an excellent job balancing justice with forgiveness, and [Tuesday night’s] pardons will provide these individuals with a second chance to continue as productive members of our South Dakota community.”
John Nystrom, Pierre, Jessica Frease, Rapid City, Paul Erickson, Sioux Falls and Gregory, Deborah, and Martin Jorgensen, Winner, were granted pardons.
According to a press release from the White House, Nystrom was working as a contractor on a school reconstruction project when he learned that a subcontractor was getting double payments. He did not report it.
Jessica Frease, Rapid City, was convicted of converting stolen checks and negotiating them through the bank where she was a teller.
Gregory and Deborah Jorgensen of Winner, were granted pardons and Martin Jorgensen was given a posthumous pardon for the sale of misbranded beef.
Paul Erickson, Sioux Falls, a former Republican operative and boyfriend to convicted Russian agent Martina Butina, was convicted of investment schemes in North Dakota.
For the complete statement issued by the White House, see Grants of Clemency here.
