Former judge seeks governor's pardon

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has announced his intent to grant 21 pardons, which include a former Sevier County judge who was found guilty in 1987 of public servant bribery.
William F. Pogue of Horatio has asked the governor for a pardon. He was found guilty in October 1987 by a Sevier County jury of "public servant bribery."
An additional 55 clemency requests were denied and four had no action taken, according to news releases from the governor's office. These include requests from both inmates and non-inmates.
"This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1987 Sevier County), the fact that all terms of the applicant's sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application," states the governor's news release.
Pogue and equipment dealer Randall Rogers were found guilty of public servant bribery by a jury and both men were fined $10,000 each. Neither man served any probation, jail or parole time.
A grand jury indicted the two men in March 1987. In the trial, the prosecutor alleged Rogers paid Pogue $10,000 in exchange for having the county acquire a 1979 Caterpillar scraper from Rogers' business, according to the news story published by the De Queen Bee newspaper.
Pogue and Rogers testified the $10,000 check was for half interest in a mobile home park project in Valliant, Okla.
The applicants intended for pardons have completed all jail time (if applicable), fulfilled all parole and probationary requirements and paid all fines related to their sentences. There is a 30-day waiting period to receive public feedback on the notices before final action is taken.