The pardons have drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Media reports have spotlighted some pardons that went to convicts who had wealthy or politically-connected families.
On Monday, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron wrote a letter to Democratic Senate Minority Leader Morgan McGarvey and State Rep. Chris Harris, who requested the inquiry, saying he has sent a formal request to the FBI to “investigate this matter.”
Cameron's letter to the legislators said, "I stand by the outstanding work of Kentucky's prosecutors and respect the decisions of juries who convict wrongdoers. While Kentucky's constitution gives the Governor the power to pardon a person convicted of a crime, I believe the pardon power should be used sparingly and with great deliberation with due concern for public safety."
Bevin, a Republican, issued hundreds of pardons between his electoral defeat on Nov. 5 and his final day in office on Dec. 9.
McGarvey and Harris issued a statement Thursday, saying, "Kentuckians deserve to know if the pardon of Patrick Baker, whose family raised tens of thousands of dollars for Gov. Bevin in 2018, was granted improperly. We believe strongly that this and potentially other pardons should be investigated impartially, and are pleased that the Attorney General agrees and has asked the FBI to make sure that happens."
In their December 13 letter to Cameron, McGarvey and Harris pointed out that Baker was pardoned while his two accomplices are still in prison.
Cameron's letter also said his office is willing to assist the FBI in any way possible.
McGarvey and Harris issued a statement Thursday, saying, "Kentuckians deserve to know if the pardon of Patrick Baker, whose family raised tens of thousands of dollars for Gov. Bevin in 2018, was granted improperly. We believe strongly that this and potentially other pardons should be investigated impartially, and are pleased that the Attorney General agrees and has asked the FBI to make sure that happens."
In their December 13 letter to Cameron, McGarvey and Harris pointed out that Baker was pardoned while his two accomplices are still in prison.
Cameron's letter also said his office is willing to assist the FBI in any way possible.
