In a significant move towards justice reform, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced pardons for 19 individuals previously convicted of various crimes, including serious offenses such as homicide, robbery, and drug-related charges. This decision, made public on Friday, underscores the governor’s commitment to a more rehabilitative approach to criminal justice and acknowledges the transformative journeys of those who have served their time and demonstrated genuine remorse and positive change.
The pardons were granted after thorough consultations with the Clemency Advisory Panel, marking a total of 139 clemency grants during Hochul’s administration, which includes 119 pardons and 20 commutations. Hochul expressed her dedication to enhancing the clemency program, stating that her administration has aimed to implement a more effective and fair evaluation process. She emphasized the importance of recognizing those who have turned their lives around, saying, “After careful consideration and analysis by a panel of independent experts, I am granting clemency in the form of a pardon to 19 individuals who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, and have made positive changes in themselves and their communities.”
Among the pardoned individuals are notable cases, including Dr. Mikal Abdul-Mateen, who was convicted of attempted robbery in the third degree in 1971, and Daniel Wagoner, who served time for criminally negligent homicide in 1995. Many of those granted pardons have been living crime-free for over two decades, yet their past convictions continued to hinder their ability to fully reintegrate into society.
The pardoned individuals include:
- Dr. Mikal Abdul-Mateen, 75, convicted of attempted robbery in the third degree in 1971.
- Joseph Percoco, 65, convicted of grand larceny in the second degree in 1985.
- Scot Forte, 61, convicted of attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree in 1985.
- Courtney Brown, 58, convicted of two counts of attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree in 1988.
- Delroy Mott, 69, convicted of criminal possession of a narcotic drug in the fourth degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree in 1991 and 1990.
- Marco Baez, 63, convicted of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree, attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, and attempted possession of stolen property in the third degree between 1986 and 1991.
- Elvin Peña, 63, convicted of attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree in 1991.
- Daniel Wagoner, 49, convicted of criminally negligent homicide in 1995.
- Adalberto Bueno, 69, convicted of assault in the third degree and attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree in 1990 and 1996.
- Jeremy Niland, 49, convicted of criminal possession of a loaded firearm in the third degree in 1997.
- Tiffany Wright, 47, convicted of petit larceny and possession of a forged instrument in the third degree in 1998 and 2002.
- Antonio Domingues, 56, convicted of offering a false instrument to file in the second degree in 2002.
- Kobi Moshel, 44, convicted of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree in 2003.
- Paul De Guzman, 44, convicted of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, reckless endangerment in the second degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree between 2003 and 2006.
- Luigi Morgera, 44, convicted of attempted arson in the third degree in 2008.
- Amanda Mullen, 37, convicted of forgery in the second degree and identity theft in the first degree in 2010.
- Michael Thomas, 51, convicted of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree in 2010.
- Edwin Tineo, 36, convicted of attempted robbery in the second degree in 2013.
- Adrian Peña, 35, convicted of burglary in the third degree in 2015.
This initiative not only highlights the potential for rehabilitation but also aims to alleviate the long-term consequences faced by those who have paid their dues to society. Hochul’s announcement reflects a growing recognition that the path to redemption is a vital aspect of criminal justice reform.
As discussions around justice and rehabilitation continue to evolve, this pardon initiative serves as a hopeful reminder of the power of second chances. The individuals granted clemency can now pursue new opportunities, free from the burdens of their past, and contribute positively to their communities.
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