Among the 19 people pardoned last week was a Sonoma County man convicted of drug crimes more than 15 years ago By Governor Gavin Newsom.

It’s been years since Damian Clopton served his prison sentence, and he said Newsom’s announcement removes a “red letter” that has hindered his professional career and efforts to support his community.

The 41-year-old football player thinks about where his professional career will go next. Years of incarceration barely represent who he is.

“I was just a kid doing drugs, selling drugs,” Clopton said. “I understand. Now my goddaughters” – there are three of them – “I don’t want them to do drugs. I don’t want them to do drugs.”

Clopton was indicted in March 2008 on 15 drug-related charges related to activities dating back to Nov. 9, 2007, according to Sonoma County Superior Court records.

He pleaded guilty in March 2009 to possessing drugs for sale and transporting drugs for sale.

Clopton was sentenced to five years in prison on May 7, 2009, Newsom’s office said. Clopton said he spent about half of that time in prison.

Clopton said that immediate mercy would be futile and he bided his time, moving on with his life.

“I stopped doing what was illegal and that was it,” he said.

Newsom’s office acknowledged in a statement linked to the governor’s announcement Wednesday that Clopton “has lived an honest life and has demonstrated that he is eligible for the restoration of civil rights and responsibilities.”

The announcement emphasizes that a pardon does not expunge or erase a conviction. Compassion does not minimize or forgive past actions. On the contrary, he appreciates one’s efforts to transform oneself.

According to the announcement, amnesties “remove inefficient barriers to employment and public service; to reestablish citizenship rights and responsibilities; and to prevent collateral consequences of conviction.”

These are obstacles Clopton says he knows very well.

HE Co-owner of a bar in Sebastopolhowever, he was unable to apply for a liquor license due to his criminal record.

he served A Coffey Park community board for Tubbs Fire victimshowever, positions such as treasurer or chairman of the board were not allowed because they had access to finances.

He applied for a real estate license but was denied due to his conviction. He successfully challenged the real estate board with the help of criminal attorney Chris Andrian.

Clopton said Andrian’s involvement in the criminal case and real estate matter showed him that retaining a lawyer was necessary, but that was an option not available to everyone.

He also thanked Newsom for acknowledging everything he has done over the years and issuing the pardon.

“It takes someone in authority to smile at you and notice these things,” Clopton said.

According to Wednesday’s announcement, Newsom has issued 205 pardons since taking office.

When applying for pardons, factors considered by the governor include the applicant’s personal development and behavior since a crime; whether the donation is in the interest of justice; and its impact on society.

Among those receiving Wednesday’s pardon is Walter Earlonne Woods.Ho co-launches a Pulitzer Prize-nominated podcast While incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison.

Having previously been convicted of robbery and kidnapping in 1989, he was sentenced to 31 years in prison in March 1999 for attempted robbery and armed assault.

The podcast “Ear Hustle” was released in 2017 and offered an inside look at prison life. In 2018, then-Gov. Jerry Brown commuted Woods’ sentence and he was later released from prison.

You can reach Staff Writer Colin Atagi at [email protected]. @colin_atagi on Twitter