North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper granted a pardon of innocence to Rev. Darron Carmon, a Pitt County pastor wrongfully convicted of robbery in 1993. The decision clears Carmon’s criminal record and makes him eligible for up to $400,000 in state compensation. This pardon comes after three decades of efforts to establish his innocence, which included repeated pleas to state officials and uncovering new evidence.
Rev. Carmon, then a 19-year-old college student with no criminal history, was accused of robbing a Fresh Way convenience store in Winterville at gunpoint, taking $281. Despite the victim’s description of a suspect markedly different in height and hairstyle, Carmon was convicted and sentenced. His legal case attracted criticism over the years for alleged misconduct, including the withholding of fingerprint evidence that did not match Carmon’s prints, and inadequate defense representation.
The pardon follows the recent discovery of critical evidence previously hidden in a police locker, casting doubt on the original investigation’s integrity. This evidence led to the vacating of Carmon’s conviction in 2022, paving the way for Cooper’s pardon this week.
In a phone statement, Carmon expressed gratitude to Gov. Cooper, who he said demonstrated true leadership in acknowledging the state’s error. “A Black boy went to prison for a crime he didn’t do, and Gov. Cooper, from a state’s perspective, said, ‘I’ll do what we need to do,’” Carmon said.
Carmon’s wrongful conviction became a high-profile case, marked by persistent advocacy efforts, including letters and protests directed at state officials. A federal lawsuit he filed against the town of Winterville also highlighted issues with his initial trial. Court records reveal that his attorney, who Carmon later argued was underprepared, presented only one of three possible alibi witnesses and praised the prosecution’s sole witness, the store clerk, despite contradictions in his testimony.
After serving eight years, Carmon was released early in 2001 for good behavior. Since then, he has dedicated his life to ministry and community service, establishing himself as a pastor at Rebuild Christian Center Church in Winterville and Greater Village Gate Church in Lewiston. Carmon also founded two nonprofits, Sikono Mentoring and People Against Racism, and has been recognized for his outreach efforts by multiple North Carolina governors.
The process that ultimately led to Carmon’s exoneration gained traction when his attorneys revisited evidence from the case, interviewing former witnesses and learning that the store had a policy requiring clerks to secure cash amounts over $100 in a drop box. This detail raised questions about the robbery’s circumstances, as well as the possibility of clerks staging robberies, a tactic reportedly common at the time.
Under North Carolina law, a pardon of innocence—unlike the more common pardon of forgiveness—grants exonerated individuals the right to compensation. For Carmon, this means $50,000 for each year served. His attorney, Abraham Rubert-Schewel, stated, “This is actually the first true assertion by any government of his innocence.”
Additional Pardons and Commutations
Governor Cooper also pardoned Mark Crotts, convicted of first-degree murder in Alamance County in 1992, whose conviction was set aside following a hung jury and subsequent acquittal. Additionally, Cooper announced sentence commutations for six individuals, acknowledging their remorse, rehabilitation efforts, and dedication to education and mentorship during incarceration.
The list of commutations includes:
• Terrence Smith: Served nearly 25 years for Forsyth County robbery as a teen. Has taken college classes and participated in self-improvement programs.
• George Lesane: Served over 30 years for Robeson County murder at age 17. Completed his GED, took college courses, and became a mentor.
• Donte Santiago: Served 23 years for Onslow County murder at age 16. Earned a GED, became a faith leader, and works training service dogs.
• Kirston Angell: Served 17 years for Davie County murder at age 16. Graduated college and ministers to young inmates while studying for a master’s degree.
• Penny Jarrett: Served 27 years of a life sentence for Guilford County murder. Held various jobs, earned certificates, and mentored inmates.
• Jesse Graham: Served 26 years of a life sentence for Guilford County murder. President of Central Prison Veterans Club, weightlifting team captain, senior speaker for Think Smart program, and counselor for college basketball players.
Cooper’s actions mark one of his last major criminal justice interventions before the end of his term.
