President Bush pardons Ohio man convicted in a 1976 case

Federal record barred hunting trip

November 18, 2004
Cleveland Plain Dealer

Most people don't need a presidential pardon to go hunting. But an Ohio man did.

On Wednesday, Fred Pitzer of Xenia got it.

The 51-year-old machinist got word that President Bush pardoned his nearly 30-year-old federal conviction, clearing the way for Pitzer to obtain a weapons permit.

"I was jumping up and down," his wife, Mary, said. "I think he deserves it. He's such a good guy. I know he's very happy and pleased."

Pitzer was among six people in the nation who received a presidential pardon Tuesday. He works an evening shift and could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Pitzer, a registered Democrat, was convicted in 1976 of a federal charge of interstate transportation of fake securities. He was driving the car in which a friend was carrying bogus money orders, Mary Pitzer said.

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FLASHBACK: December 25, 2002 - President Bush pardons TN man so he can get his CCW permit