Governor Greg Abbott has granted pardons and restored civil rights to six individuals in Texas, following recommendations from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. The decision was announced on December 19, 2025.
The six people who received clemency are:
– Maria Del Refugio Argote, 40, convicted of burglary of a motor vehicle in Wharton County in 2003. She was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay a $200 fine and restitution.
– Tasha LaShay Castaneda, 42, convicted of theft by check in Hockley County in both 2003 and 2004. For the first offense, she received probation and a $100 fine with restitution; for the second, she was fined $100 with restitution.
– Joshua Ryan Cochran, 36, convicted of possession of marijuana in Bexar County in 2007. He received deferred adjudication probation and a $250 fine.
– Jennifer Ann Drane, 54, convicted of theft by check in Lee County in 1993. She was fined $25 with restitution.
– Lucas John Flores, 50, convicted of deadly conduct in Hardeman County in 2000. He received deferred adjudication probation and a $750 fine with restitution.
– Mark Anthony Morales, 36, convicted of criminal mischief in Washington County in 2008. He received deferred adjudication probation and a $500 fine with restitution.
“These six Texans have expressed qualities deserving of clemency through their dedication to changing their lives and service to their communities,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for their work to improve our criminal justice system and reduce recidivism in our state by recommending clemency to give these individuals a second chance.”
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott is part of the executive branch of state government https://gov.texas.gov/ and has statewide authority across Texas https://gov.texas.gov/. Since his election in 2014 https://gov.texas.gov/, Governor Abbott’s administration has focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment regarding schooling decisions, as well as southern border security https://gov.texas.gov/. The governor’s office also maintains its primary offices at the State Insurance Building in Austin https://gov.texas.gov/.
This action reflects ongoing efforts by the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott to address issues within the criminal justice system.
