Missouri Gov. Parson grants 15 pardons, 2 commutations

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson delivers the State of the State address Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Jefferson City, Mo. The speech is traditionally given in the House chamber but was moved to the smaller Senate chamber at the last minute due to concerns about the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson delivers the State of the State address Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Jefferson City, Mo. The speech is traditionally given in the House chamber but was moved to the smaller Senate chamber at the last minute due to concerns about the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has granted 15 new pardons and two sentence commutations, the governor's office said Friday.

Parson's office declined to name those being pardoned or having their sentences commuted. A news release said the names will be released after all families have been notified.

Parson's legal team continues to review clemency files and is "working to reduce the backlog inherited by his administration," the release said, citing about 3,300 pending clemency applications.

In December, Parson granted 24 pardons and commuted the sentences of three prior drug offenders to house arrest.