Current:Home > ScamsNorth Carolina legislative aide, nonprofit founder receives pardon of forgiveness from governor-InfoLens
North Carolina legislative aide, nonprofit founder receives pardon of forgiveness from governor
View Date:2024-12-23 10:21:36
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A beneficiary of one of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s end-of-year criminal pardons, who currently works in state government, said she hopes her life story will help others who also are seeking second chances.
Among the four receiving a pardon of forgiveness from Cooper on Wednesday was Portia Bright-Pittman, 38, who had been convicted of being an accessory after the fact to armed robbery in Orange County in 2008.
“It was just an unspeakable joy,” Bright-Pittman told WTVD-TV about the moment when Cooper’s office called her with the news.
Bright-Pittman has worked for the North Carolina legislature for the past eight years and is now working for Rep. Sarah Crawford of Wake County. She’s also an author of children’s books.
Bright-Pittman applied for a pardon more than 10 years ago, and said her legislative job had nothing to do with her selection.
“I had no idea that I would get it, it was a long shot, but it was just me stepping out on faith saying I want to put this on file to say I am so sorry,” she said.
A governor’s pardon of forgiveness is different from a pardon of innocence, which can be issued if the applicant is determined innocent of the criminal charges and can serve as the basis to remove the charges from the person’s record.
The impact of a pardon of forgiveness isn’t as clear, according to a guide on relief from criminal convictions on the University of North Carolina School of Government website. An appeals court ruling indicated such a pardon can be used to prevent the conviction for which the pardon was issued as an aggravating factor in subsequent criminal proceedings, the guide says.
Bright-Pittman attributes her conviction in part to getting caught up in bad relationships and the wrong crowd. While the pardon document said she received a suspended sentence and probation, Bright-Pittman did spend some time behind bars.
She said doors closed for jobs because of her past activity.
“It’s like somebody throwing mud on you, you know, so for me, it’s been wiping it off, cleaning myself ... just showing people that’s not who I am,” she said. But Bright-Pittman said she did get second chances — first from a radio station and later a local politician in Greenville looking for campaign help.
Bright-Pittman advocates for those convicted of crimes as young people. In 2020, she founded NC Reentry Innovators for Success, a Greenville nonprofit that aims to assist ex-offenders return to society and if possible seek to have their official records expunged.
Bright-Pittman’s pardon said that since her conviction her record had been one of “responsible civic behavior and community service.”
veryGood! (1516)
Related
- NBPA reaches Kyle Singler’s family after cryptic Instagram video draws concern
- UN resolution to commemorate the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia sparks opposition from Serbs
- Repeal of a dead law to use public funds for private school tuition won’t be on Nebraska’s ballot
- A timeline of territorial shifts in Ukraine war
- Jared Goff stats: Lions QB throws career-high 5 INTs in SNF win over Texans
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Secret Agents
- Filipino activists decide not to sail closer to disputed shoal, avoiding clash with Chinese ships
- Greek defense team says 9 Egyptians accused of causing deadly shipwreck were misidentified as crew
- A list of mass killings in the United States this year
- Simone Biles is stepping into the Olympic spotlight again. She is better prepared for the pressure
Ranking
- Chipotle unveils cilantro-scented soap, 'water' cup candles in humorous holiday gift line
- The Netherlands veers sharply to the right with a new government dominated by party of Geert Wilders
- Experts say coral reef bleaching near record level globally because of ‘crazy’ ocean heat
- Half of Amazon warehouse workers struggle to cover food, housing costs, report finds
- Video shows masked man’s apparent attempt to kidnap child in NYC; suspect arrested
- Who plays Colin, Eloise and Penelope in 'Bridgerton'? See the full Season 3 cast
- These Beverly Hills, 90210 Secrets Are Saucier Than Kissing Your Ex at Your Best Friend's Wedding
- 2024 PGA Championship highlights: Xander Schauffele leads with 62
Recommendation
-
Beyoncé nominated for album of the year at Grammys — again. Will she finally win?
-
Murder trial set for September for Minnesota trooper who shot motorist during freeway stop
-
A pair of late 3-putts sent Tiger Woods to a sluggish 1-over start at the PGA Championship
-
Kelsea Ballerini Channels Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days During 2024 ACM Awards
-
The Daily Money: All about 'Doge.'
-
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton's 2024 ACM Awards Date Night Is Sweet as Honey
-
Georgia employers flash strength as they hire more workers in April
-
2024 ACM Awards Winners: See the Complete List