Governor pardons Central Texas man convicted of pot possession

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a pardon Monday for Todd Robert Jarzynkowski, 34, who was sentenced to 18 months in State Jail and fined $500 on Nov. 16, 2006, for possession of marijuana over 4 ounces, but under 5 pounds.

The conviction stems from an arrest in January 2004 by Texas State Technical College police, according to online records.

The pardon was issued on the recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Abbott Monday also pardoned Anita Elizabeth Soto, 38, who was sentenced in September 2002 in Dallas County to nine months deferred adjudication probation for theft; Jeffrey Leighton Maddox, 41, who was sentenced in August 1997 in Williamson County to 18 months in jail for possession of marijuana; Matthew Thomas Lours Donohew, 34, who was sentenced in October 2003 in Parmer County to three days in jail and fined $500 for possession of marijuana; Paul Alexander Fry, 34, who was sentenced in December 2005 in Harris County to 54 days in jail and fined $1,500 for deadly conduct; Simone Lauren Blair, 27, who was sentenced in November 2011 in Dallas County to two days in jail for attempted credit card abuse; and Tyra Deanna Hodge, 48, who was sentenced in November 1995 in Harris County to four days in jail and fined $250 for public lewdness.