2 Decatur business people pardoned by President Obama
Posted:
Updated:
URBANA, Ill. (Associated Press) -
After an effort that took more than four years, two Decatur business people have been granted presidential pardons for crimes committed nearly 20 years ago.
Jon Christopher Kozeliski and Karen Alicia Ragee in 1994 were sentenced to a year of probation, including six months of home confinement, for using Star Silkscreen Design Inc. in an effort to traffic in counterfeit goods.
Their attorney, J. Steven Beckett, said the pair were told Friday of their pardons. He said it was "a very pleasant surprise," because they didn't know in advance of the president's decision.
Beckett said other than their one offense, Kozeliski and Ragee have been good citizens and have shown remorse.
The White House offered no details on why the pair were pardoned by Obama, who has issued few pardons.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:51:51 GMT
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Faced with a trio of controversies, President Barack Obama is trying to halt a perception spreading among both White House opponents and allies that he has been passive and disengaged as unexpected developments...
President Barack Obama, seeking to regain his footing amid controversies hammering the White House, named a temporary chief for the scandal-marred Internal Revenue Service Thursday and pressed Congress to approve new...
After initially opposing the legalization of medical marijuana in Illinois, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon now supports the bill awaiting a State Senate vote. She told Good Day Chicago why she changed her mind.
After initially opposing the legalization of medical marijuana in Illinois, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon now supports the bill awaiting a State Senate vote. She told Good Day Chicago why she changed her mind.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-14 17:30:12 GMT
Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd) said he has been meeting with municipal bond experts to try to find a way for the city to buy its 36,000 meters back from Chicago Parking Meters LLC.
Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd) said he has been meeting with municipal bond experts to try to find a way for the city to buy its 36,000 meters back from Chicago Parking Meters LLC.
An Afghan official says a bomb hidden in a parked motorcycle has ripped through a crowded bazaar in a remote region of the southern Helmand province, killing at least three people and wounding seven.
A roadside bomb struck a U.S. convoy in southern Afghanistan Tuesday, killing three American troops, while a motorcycle bomb in a crowded village market killed at least three Afghan civilians, officials said.
FOX's Brett Baier has the latest on political headlines regarding former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Benghazi testimony and the IRS admitting to targeting conservative groups for tax enforcement.
FOX's Brett Baier has the latest on political headlines regarding former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Benghazi testimony and the IRS admitting to targeting conservative groups for tax enforcement.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:26:00 GMT
The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
.
The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
Chicago born designer Samantha Sleeper is making a triumphant return home this weekend, to showcase her latest collection in the Gold Coast at her very own pop-up shop.
Chicago born designer Samantha Sleeper is making a triumphant return home this weekend, to showcase her latest collection in the Gold Coast at her very own pop-up shop.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:51 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:51:56 GMT
The Chicago Farmer's Market opened for business in Daley Plaza on Thursday, offering fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers to anyone who stops by the downtown set-up.
The Chicago Farmer's Market opened for business in Daley Plaza on Thursday, offering fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers to anyone who stops by the downtown set-up.
You can save thousands of dollars on your yard projects in just a couple of weekends, even if you haven't tried working on it before! FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello shows you how.
You can save thousands of dollars on your yard projects in just a couple of weekends, even if you haven't tried working on it before! FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello shows you how.
Former "Charlie's Angel" Jaclyn Smith is celebrating 28 years with Kmart by launching her new outdoor living line. She explained you can bring the comfort of the indoors outside by "shopping your way."
Former "Charlie's Angel" Jaclyn Smith is celebrating 28 years with Kmart by launching her new outdoor living line. She explained you can bring the comfort of the indoors outside by "shopping your way."
Wicker Park and Bucktown are hosting their very first Wed Local Expo at the Double Door. Couples can plan their weddings using local businesses. Chamber of Commerce president Stephanie Sack explains.
Wicker Park and Bucktown are hosting their very first Wed Local Expo at the Double Door. Couples can plan their weddings using local businesses. Chamber of Commerce president Stephanie Sack explains.
