“As governor, Bryant first discontinued the practice of inmates spending the night on the mansion grounds and then the tradition of pardoning those individuals,” spokesman Mick Bullock said. “Bryant stated that he would work towards phasing out the use of trusties at the mansion, and that last phase of Bryant’s plan was completed today.”
Bryant, who plans to move his family to the mansion in two months, wouldn’t comment further. But he has said he is particularly sensitive to victims’ rights because his aunt was kidnapped, raped and murdered in 1981. Her killer is serving a life sentence.
Bryant’s announcement comes amid ongoing controversy over then-Republican Gov. Haley Barbour’s decision Jan. 6 to pardon four murderers and one robber who were mansion trusties during his second term.
Clarion Ledger
1/20/12
Magnolia Tribune
