TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has pardoned an Army captain who was facing criminal charges after mistakenly leaving a gun behind at a hotel.

The Republican governor on Friday pardoned 36-year-old Robert White for the December 2014 incident at a hotel in Montvale.

Attorney Frank Pisano says White was traveling from Virginia to New Hampshire when he stopped with his girlfriend for the night in New Jersey.

The couple rushed out the next morning and forgot that he left the unloaded gun in his room. When he returned, he was arrested and charged with unlawful possession.

Pisano says the active duty Army officer is relieved and thanks the governor for his compassion.