DENVER—Eric Charles Blanke of Parker has spent 14 years trying to put his felony conviction behind him.
On Tuesday, he got some help from President George W. Bush.
The 42-year-old was among those Bush pardoned before leaving for Camp David for the holidays.
Blanke pleaded guilty to a counterfeiting charge in 1995, and says the conviction has been an embarrassment to himself and his family.
He says he “got involved with some of the wrong people” but wasn’t guilty of the charge. He wouldn’t elaborate.
Blanke says he was offered a plea deal and took it without understanding the consequences. He was sentenced in federal court in California to three years’ probation and 50 hours of community service.
Blanke says he has since worked hard “at the same job in the same company” trying to be a productive member of society, “and I have done that.”
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Information from: The Denver Post,
