Drug War Casualty Gets Pardon
Tyrone Brown soon to be released from prison on terms of conditional pardon issued by Perry last week
By Jordan Smith, Fri., March 16, 2007
Dean's actions came into question after The Dallas Morning News reported that the judge's treatment of Brown was far different from his treatment of well-connected murderer John Alexander Wood, whom Dean allowed to stay on probation even after he repeatedly tested positive for cocaine use Wood was even allowed to quit taking the drug tests.
The disparity in treatment which Dean has, to date, declined to explain prompted a grassroots campaign to free Brown. Finally, on March 9, with the support of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Dallas County district attorney's office, and Judge Dean, Perry granted Brown a conditional pardon, meaning Brown will have to meet several requirements that he live with his mother, Nora; report to a parole officer; get a job; and see a therapist in order to remain free. Perry declined to grant a full pardon, which the BPP reportedly recommended.
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