HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, whose promising political career was upended by a corruption scandal and two federal prison stints, has been pardoned by President Donald Trump.
The Republican governor, who served from 1995 until 2004, was among a number of prominent figures the Republican president granted clemency Wednesday, including former New York Congressman Michael Grimm, also a Republican, and reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley.
A White House official confirmed the pardon but spoke only on background to discuss matters that have not yet been made public.
In an email to the Hartford Courant, Rowland wrote: “I am deeply humbled and appreciative. I have been blessed with a wonderful family and friends that have been through a great deal over the years. This is a wonderful final resolution.”
Once the nation’s youngest governor, Rowland was elected three times to the state’s highest office before resigning at the age of 47 amid a federal corruption investigation into gifts and favors that he accepted from state contractors and a growing move by state legislators to impeach him from office.
Rowland served 10 months in a federal prison camp after pleading guilty in 2004 to one count of conspiracy to steal honest services.
