Gavin Newsom pardons two members of California tribes during Native American Heritage Month

Gov. Gavin Newsom granted pardons to two members of Native American tribes on Friday.

Koi Nation member Robert Morgan received a pardon for a 2006 assault conviction in Sonoma County for striking two people with a deadly weapon at a party. He was sentenced to 91 days in jail and three years probation. Newsom said Morgan demonstrated that he deserved a pardon because of his good conduct in his community.

Newsom also pardoned Frank Spa-ghe Dowd, an elected leader of the Resighini Rancheria, for a 2002 assault conviction in Del Norte County for hitting someone with a bat at a party. He was sentenced to 270 days in jail and five years probation. The court that convicted him has since granted him a Certificate of Rehabilitation, recognizing he has “been living an upright life,” according to his clemency certificate.

Newsom’s office said in a press release that the pardons “coincide with Native American Heritage Month, which honors the vibrancy and resiliency of Native American culture.”

The pardons were supported by tribal leaders, Newsom’s office said. They bring Newsom’s total number of pardons issued to 88. The governor has also issued 91 commutations and 29 reprieves since taking office in 2019.

This story was originally published November 19, 2021 at 5:08 PM.