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Governor Asa Hutchinson yesterday announced his intent to grant four pardons, including a pardon for Mountain Home pastor Ty Cotter. An additional 53 clemency requests were denied and one had no action taken upon it. These include requests from both inmates and non-inmates.
The applicants intended for pardons have completed all jail time, fulfilled all parole and probationary requirements and paid all fines related to their sentences. There is a 30-day waiting period to receive public feedback on the notices before final action is taken.
Ty Cotter is a reformed addict and the pastor for CareCenter Ministries in Mountain Home. His journey to becoming sober, and a pastor, began with his introduction to Eldred Sawyer, the founder of CareCenter Ministries, in Dallas, Texas a decade ago.
After completing CareCenter Ministries Leadership Academy in 2015, Cotter returned to Mountain Home and established a branch of the church in his hometown.
CareCenter Ministries has seen explosive growth in Mountain Home under Cotter’s leadership.
As a former addict, Cotter has devoted his life to helping addicts recover, while re-introducing them to society.
Addicts who join Cotter and his faith based recovery program at CareCenter Ministries are taught life skills, interpersonal relational skills, and proficiency in career-oriented trade skills with the opportunity to pursue higher education. They are often seen out in town mowing lawns and assisting community members through a variety of trade skills.
In a statement to the Observer, Cotter thanked both David Etheredge, the prosecuting attorney for Baxter County, and Benny Magnus, owner of Magnus Oil Company, for reaching out to Hutchinson and advocating for a pardon on his behalf.
