Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released eight pardons for Texans on Dec. 23, and George Floyd once again generated controversy by not being on the list even though the officer in his case later had many convictions overturned.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously recommended that Floyd be granted a pardon for his arrest for drugs in 2004. Floyd died over a year ago while in the custody of Minneapolis and his death prompted international demonstrations.
“Among the recommendations withdrawn was one concerning Floyd,” Abbott’s press secretary Renae Eze said. “The Board will review and resolve procedural errors and issues related to any pending applications in compliance with their rules. As a result of the Board’s withdrawal of the recommendation concerning George Floyd, Gov. Abbott did not have the opportunity to consider it. Gov. Abbott will review all recommendations that the Board submits for consideration.”
Abbott will be running for reelection in the Texas gubernatorial race next year. Abbott did not comment on whether he would give a posthumous pardon to Floyd after the state parole board’s recommendation. Floyd’s arrest in Texas in 2004 was carried by Houston police officer Gerald Goines, who was later charged in relation to a failed drug raid on Harding Street, according to a report from ABC 13.
Goines was charged with getting access to a search warrant by lying and more than 160 of drug conviction connected to his police work have been overturned as a result, according to a report from Newsweek.
Floyd lived in Houston for the majority of his life prior to his death in Minneapolis, according to a report from Newsweek. The reason for his 2004 drug arrest was selling a bag of crack cocaine for $10. Floyd subsequently served a 10-month jail sentence for the charge after pleading guilty.
Information on those who were pardoned by Abbott is featured on the governor’s official website.
