Obama pardons Montrose man for cocaine charge
Michael John Petri, of Montrose, was convicted in 1989 of distributing cocaine and served just under half of a five-year sentence. He has since turned his life around, including starting his own construction business.
MONTROSE (AP) — A South Dakota drug convict pardoned by President Barack Obama says the pardon will improve both his personal and business life.
Michael John Petri, of Montrose, was convicted in 1989 of distributing cocaine and served just under half of a five-year sentence. He has since turned his life around, including starting his own construction business, he told KSFY-TV.
"I paid my debt to society," he said. "Now I feel like I've been relieved."
Obama on Friday pardoned Petri and 16 others, largely for minor crimes. The White House did not provide details on why the 17 were selected.
For Petri, the pardon means opportunities for both business and pleasure.
"There were a few federal projects that I could have worked on that I couldn't because of the felony," he said. "Other than that, I've not been able to go hunting. That was another one, not being able to have firearms."
Convicted felons are not allowed to possess guns.
Petri's daughter, Shawna, said the family stuck together.
"It's been a long process, and now he can finally put this all behind him and we as a family can put this all behind us," she said.
Tags: our towns, news, updates, crime, pardon, montrose, drugs, obama
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