Bill Clinton Pardon Controversy - Edgar and Vonna Jo Gregory Pardons

Edgar and Vonna Jo Gregory Pardons

In March 2000, Bill Clinton pardoned Edgar and Vonna Jo Gregory, owners of the carnival company United Shows International, for charges of bank fraud from a 1982 conviction. Although the couple had already been released from prison, the prior conviction prevented them from doing business in certain American states. First Lady Hillary Clinton's youngest brother, Tony Rodham, was an acquaintance of the Gregorys, and had lobbied Clinton on their behalf. In October 2006, the group Judicial Watch filed a request with the U.S. Justice Department for an investigation, alleging that Rodham had received $107,000 from the Gregorys for the pardons in the form of loans that were never repaid, as part of a quid pro quo scheme.

Read more about this topic:  Bill Clinton Pardon Controversy

Famous quotes containing the words edgar, gregory and/or pardons:

    If there was ever a dissenter from the national optimism ... it was surely Edgar Allan Poe—without question the bravest and most original, if perhaps also the least orderly and judicious, of all the critics that we have produced.
    —H.L. (Henry Lewis)

    A fine woman shews her charms to most advantage when she seems most to conceal them. The finest bosom in nature is not so fine as what imagination forms.
    —Dr. Gregory (18th century)

    He who pardons easily invites offense.
    Pierre Corneille (1606–1684)