By Gary Grado | Arizona Capitol Times
The Board of Executive Clemency was impressed that singer Pat Boone, two former Arizona lawmakers and a figure in the 1970s Watergate scandal all went to bat for Greg Shideler as he sought a pardon for a 2001 aggravated assault conviction.
But in this case, the endorsements were not what they seemed.
The board on Jan. 6 sent its recommendation for a pardon to Gov. Doug Ducey, the first to land on his desk. The board took the position that Shideler was protecting his home and property when he aimed a shotgun at a process server and scuffled with the man over control of the firearm. The weapon went off without killing or injuring anyone. He was sentenced to five years in prison for the incident and was released 10 years ago.
