ALBANY- Governor Kathy Hochul has granted clemency to 13 individuals in the form of 10 pardons and three commutations. Most of Hochul’s pardons were issued to incarcerated individuals who are not United States citizens with the intent to help the convicted avert the threat of deportation and help with their pursuit to become naturalized citizens.
“Clemency is one of the most solemn responsibilities given to a Governor, and I committed to improving the process when I took office,” said Hochul. “Our efforts to convene a new advisory panel – representing important perspectives including law enforcement, victims, the judiciary, and others – has led to a more effective process as we begin granting clemencies on a rolling basis.”
Hochul, unlike her predecessors, has committed to reviewing and acting upon clemency applications on a rolling basis rather than only once at the end of the year. She has also convened a Clemency Advisory Panel comprised of impartial experts to assist in advising her on clemency applications.
Clemency takes two forms under state law. The first form of clemency is a commutation, which is the lessening of a criminal penalty, most commonly a prison sentence. The second is a pardon, which is the full termination of the criminal penalty.
Hochul’s office released brief biographies on each of the individuals being granted clemency, which can be found below.
Pardons:
Nana Ampaw, 56, has lived a crime free life for 15 years. She has lived in the United States for approximately 20 years, is married to a United States citizen, and has four children who are all United States citizens or lawful permanent residents. Ampaw has worked as a home health aide and an assistant for a mental health program while pursuing a degree in social work. Ampaw was convicted of falsifying business records in 2007. A pardon will help her pursue naturalization to become a United States citizen.
Henry Williams, 70, has lived a crime free life…
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