EXECUTIVE ORDER: 17-29

FOR: PARDON FOR MATTHEW BENJAMIN VOORHEES

TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS MAY COME, GREETINGS.

WHEREAS, Matthew Voorhees, who has petitioned for a pardon, was convicted at age 21 in 2000 in Miami Circuit Court of Theft, a class D felony; Forgery, a class C felony; and Possession of a Handgun on School Property, a class C felony; and was sentenced to Teen Challenge in lieu of a six year executed sentence;

WHEREAS, the petitioner has successfully served his sentence and made restitution;

WHEREAS, following the service of his sentence, the petitioner remained with Teen Challenge, dedicating his time to working with troubled teenagers and worked his way through the ranks to ultimately serving as Executive Director of North Dakota for Teen Challenge;

WHEREAS, the petitioner, although no longer with Teen Challenge, is the Resident Manager of a group care facility specializing in child welfare;

WHEREAS, the petitioner has actively volunteered in his community in a myriad of ways, including in prison and jail outreach and substance abuse prevention, among others;

WHEREAS, the petitioner, now 38 years old, has not been convicted since successfully completing his sentence 17 years ago;

WHEREAS, family members, co-workers, and the sentencing judge are supportive of petitioner receiving a pardon; and

WHEREAS, the Indiana Parole Board, after careful investigation, review and examination of the facts with respect to petitioner in this matter has unanimously recommended that the Governor issue a pardon to the petitioner.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Eric J. Holcomb, Governor of the State of Indiana, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Indiana Constitution and the laws of our State, do hereby issue a Pardon to MATTHEW BENJAMIN VOORHEES for his 2000 Theft, Forgery, and Possession of a Handgun on School Property convictions in Miami County, and it is so ordered.

SEAL

ATTEST: Connie Lawson

Secretary of State