Former Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne granted clemency restoring civil rights

Former Broward County Sheriff Ken Jenne has been granted clemency by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, restoring civil rights he lost following his 2007 federal corruption conviction, according to a South Florida Sun Sentinel report.

Jenne, a former state prosecutor, served in the Florida Senate from 1978 to 1998 (missing one term) before being elected Broward Sheriff in 1998. He held the post until his resignation in September 2007, after a federal investigation into his outside business dealings.

According to the Sun Sentinel report, Jenne pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion and mail fraud charges and was sentenced to one year and one day in a federal minimum-security prison camp.

The report said the clemency restores certain state-level rights lost after his conviction, including eligibility to pursue some professional licenses, such as potential membership in the Florida Bar.

Jenne said he learned of the decision less than a month ago and noted the clemency certificate is dated March 31. The restoration does not apply to federal rights lost in the conviction, including the right to own or carry firearms.

His right to vote had already been restored following a 2018 constitutional amendment approved by Florida voters expanding voting rights for many people with felony convictions.

Jenne, now 79, said he does not intend to use the development as a return point to public life.

Before becoming sheriff, Jenne had a long career in Florida politics and law, including time as a prosecutor and nearly two decades in the state Senate. As Broward Sheriff, he led one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Florida until his departure amid the corruption case that ended his public service career.