Disgraced NY Gov. Cuomo Issues Clemency to 10 People in Last Days as Governor

On Tuesday, scandal-ridden Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who announced his departure from the governorship in disgrace, has announced that he issued clemency to 10 people. 

“The list of pardons includes individuals convicted of attempted robbery, drug crimes, bail jumping, and assault,” reported Fox News. 

The Fox News report added:

Additionally, Cuomo commuted the sentence of multiple convicted murderers including 45-year-old Jon-Adrian Velasquez and 63-year-old Richard “Lee” Chalk.

“One of the foundational promises of New York State is that of equal justice, and equal compassion, for all under the law,” Governor Cuomo said. “Today I’m proud to help fulfill government’s unique responsibility to harness the power of redemption, encourage those who have made mistakes to engage in meaningful rehabilitation, and empower everyone to work toward a better future for themselves and their families. These ten clemencies are another step on the long march towards a more fair, more just, more equitable, and more empathetic New York. I thank all the volunteer attorneys representing clemency applicants for their dedication and service to the cause of justice and rehabilitation.”

Fox News contributor Andy McCarthy said, “I don’t believe Cuomo would pardon himself, because the groping crime he’s under investigation for in the Commission complaint is (a) considered a misdemeanor and not very serious (i.e., it’s not considered felony sexual assault), and (b) he has vigorously denied the allegation and a pardon would be tantamount to a confession of guilt.” 

AAN Staff