HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) – A former state prison inmate who did time on cocaine and firearms convictions is Pennsylvania’s new Secretary of the Board of Pardons. Brandon J. Flood was introduced Monday by Lt. Governor John Fetterman who made the appointment.
“My appointment will not be without controversy,” admits the 36 year old Flood who served nine years on a conviction for possession with intent to deliver cocaine when he was 17 and a firearms violation when he was 22. “Like many young men in our nation’s inner cities, I foolishly viewed the selling of illegal narcotics as a quick and easy way out of poverty,” he said.
As Secretary of the Board of Pardons, Flood will oversee the board, process clemency applications, secure background checks and present that information to the Lt. Governor and the four other voting members of the board. The Secretary is non-voting.
“His personal insight gained after being the deserving recipient of pardons can inform the direct and poignant changes we intend to make,” said Fetterman. Flood’s pardon was signed several weeks ago by Gov. Tom Wolf. He has worked for several years as a legislative aide and lobbyist.
Flood says the pardons process can be streamlined. Other reforms he says will require legislative approval.
He also promised to be sympathetic to victims and their advocates. “The integrity of the clemency process will not be compromised or diminished in any way, shape, or form,” he said.
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