FRESNO (KMJ/AP) — A pair of immigrants may have been saved from removal from the United States thanks to the actions of Governor Jerry Brown.
Mony Neth and Mao Rottanak Kong were both facing deportation, but the effective erasing of the felony charges against them could remove cause for federal agents to continue with proceedings.
Mony Neth of Modesto was convicted in 1995 for receiving known stolen property, participation in a street gang, and dangerous weapon charges. Mao Rottanak of Davis was sentenced in 2003 for evading a peace officer and vehicle theft, and again in 2004 for possession of drugs in prison or jail.
The pardons removing the effects of the felonies for the two men, could cancel-out the reason for their deportation.
ICE will remove illegal aliens convicted of felony offenses as ordered by an immigration judge.
— ICE (@ICEgov) February 9, 2017
As part of the 132 pardons granted on Saturday, Governor Jerry Brown’s office stated that they are not given unless they are earned.
“A gubernatorial pardon may be granted to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary behavior and have lived productive and law-abiding lives following their conviction.”
As part of the official pardon, Mony Neth was described as living “an honest and upright life” since his release from custody. Mao Rottanak Kong’s official pardon stated that “several individuals wrote in support of Mr. Kong, describing him as kind and generous.”
Governor Jerry Brown considered both men to have paid their debt to society. Copies of the gubernatorial pardons and commutations can be found clicking here.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
