At the time, Coleman expressed deep concern over the pardons and commutations, and promised to try to “aggressively prosecute” cases regarding the people who had received clemency. He was particularly outspoken about those convicted of sex offenses, who, under a state pardon, did not fall under any post-release supervision and were not required to register as sex offenders, the Courier Journal reported.
At least 100 clemency recipients fell in Coleman’s jurisdiction. But by the time he left office, Coleman had prosecuted just two—and both, in what now seems to be his classic style, received plea deals and low sentences.
When contacted by The New Republic for an explanation, Coleman said he had “aggressively prosecuted the cases where we had federal jurisdiction and the statute of limitations had not run. Full stop.”