Governor Greg Abbott has granted pardons and restored civil rights to six Texans, following recommendations from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. The individuals receiving clemency are Maria Del Refugio Argote, Tasha LaShay Castaneda, Joshua Ryan Cochran, Jennifer Ann Drane, Lucas John Flores, and Mark Anthony Morales.
Maria Del Refugio Argote was convicted of burglary of a motor vehicle in 2003 in Wharton County. She received probation and was ordered to pay a $200 fine and restitution. Tasha LaShay Castaneda was convicted twice for theft by check in Hockley County in 2003 and 2004. For both offenses, she received probation or fines totaling $200 plus restitution.
Joshua Ryan Cochran was sentenced for possession of marijuana in Bexar County in 2007. He received deferred adjudication probation and a $250 fine. Jennifer Ann Drane was convicted for theft by check in Lee County in 1993 and paid a $25 fine with restitution.
Lucas John Flores faced a deadly conduct charge in Hardeman County in 2000. He received deferred adjudication probation along with a $750 fine and restitution. Mark Anthony Morales was convicted of criminal mischief in Washington County in 2008; he also received deferred adjudication probation with a $500 fine and restitution.
“These six Texans have expressed qualities deserving of clemency through their dedication to changing their lives and service to their communities,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for their work to improve our criminal justice system and reduce recidivism in our state by recommending clemency to give these individuals a second chance.”
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott is part of the executive branch of Texas state government, operating statewide from its primary offices at the State Insurance Building in Austin (https://gov.texas.gov/). Since his election as governor in 2014 (https://gov.texas.gov/), Greg Abbott has led initiatives focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment regarding schooling decisions, as well as border security (https://gov.texas.gov/).
Governor Abbott’s administration also oversees programs such as Operation Lone Star for border security efforts and works on child sex trafficking prevention (https://gov.texas.gov/). The office collaborates with organizations like Southwest Airlines on economic expansion projects while supporting community certifications through Travel Texas (https://gov.texas.gov/).
Greg Abbott’s leadership has been recognized nationally; he was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list for 2024 (https://gov.texas.gov/).
