Joe Exotic formally requests pardon, maintains innocence

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A former Oklahoma zookeeper sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire plot and violating federal wildlife laws is formally requesting a pardon. Attorneys for Joseph Maldonado-Passage, also known as “Joe Exotic,” filed his application Tuesday with the U.S. Department of Justice. In it, they say Maldonado-Passage maintains his innocence and requests a pardon “to correct the injustices he has experienced.” The 257-page appli