In mutual communiction with the board of parole, Gov. Bill Lee granted clemency to 17 people on Thursday, according to a release from the governor’s office.Among those who were granted clemency was Kenney Simpson of Sullivan County, who was granted a pardon. The release did not state Simpson’s offense. the statement says After reviewing the unique merits of each case, I have made the decision to grant these individuals executive clemency. These men and women have shown they are ready for productive lives beyond their sentences, according to Governor Lee.