SALINA, Kan. (AP) — A former Salina middle school counselor imprisoned for raping a 13-year-old student plans to ask Governor Sam Brownback for a pardon. The Salina Journal reports that a legal notice indicates Brooke Dinkel applied for executive clemency, which would free her from prison. Dinkel was sentenced in 2014 to nearly 14 years in prison for two counts of rape. She was a counselor at Smoky Valley Middle School at the time. Dinkel's chances of being granted a pardon appear slim. Brownback has not granted any clemency requests since he took office. His spokeswoman, Eileen Hawley, says some requests have been denied and others are being reviewed. The Kansas Prisoner Review Board currently is accepting written comments on the application. It will make a recommendation before submitting the petition to the governor.
