Abolish the 21-day rule
Gov. Bob McDonnell’s pardon freed an innocent man, but it will take months to clear his name.
Johnathan Montgomery spent this holiday weekend with his family.
Gov. Bob McDonnell hustled to grant the 26-year- old a conditional pardon within 24 hours of receiving a petition from his attorneys. Montgomery walked out of the Greensville Correctional Center Tuesday evening. He had spent the past four years in prison after he was convicted of sexual assault. His accuser now admits she lied.
“Justice, while tragically delayed, has been served,” McDonnell said in a release.
Perhaps, but it was served cold and stale. That might be enough to get Montgomery through this weekend, but it’s not an acceptable outcome for him or Virginians who expect better from their legal system.
November 25, 2012 - 8:04 AM
Start the conversation
View our commenting policy and standards | Commenting FAQ | Report a problem
Name is required
A valid email is required (test@test.com)
Comment is required