Gov. Cuomo grants five pardons, five commutations

NEW YORK (WROC) – Governor Andrew Cuomo granted pardons to 10 people Tuesday as his term came to an end.

Cuomo resigned last week after a bombing report from the New York Attorney General alleged that he sexually molested several women.

His resignation should take effect on Monday at 11:59 p.m. Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul will be sworn in as governor on Tuesday at 12:00 noon.

“Today I am proud to live up to the government’s unique responsibility to harness the power of salvation, to encourage those who have made mistakes to meaningful rehabilitation, and to empower everyone towards a better future for themselves and their families work towards it, ”Cuomo said in a statement released Tuesday. “These ten pardons are another step on the long road to a more just, just and empathetic New York.”

Commutations

Nehru Gumbs, 36, was convicted of first degree manslaughter and criminal possession of a gun and second degree assault in 2005, crimes he committed when he was 18 years old. He served 17 and a half years out of 25 years in prison. While in detention, Mr. Gumbs served as the youth counselor for Sing Sing’s youth welfare program, earned his associate degree in science (cum laude) from Mercy College, and is enrolled in plumbing and heating professional programs and a 4-year college program with Mercy College . After his release, Mr. Gumbs will live with his family and work in the plumbing and heating sector.

Jon-Adrian Velasquez, 45, was convicted in 1999 of second degree murder and attempted murder, in three cases of first degree robbery and of attempted first degree robbery. He has served 23 and a half years from 25 years to life sentence. After entering prison in 1998, he enrolled in a college program through Hudson Link and earned an associate’s degree in 2012 and a bachelor’s degree in 2014, graduating with honors and honors on graduation academic achievement excellent and community service. He continues to work with Hudson Link, helping run their college program at Sing Sing, and has been an associate professor for a Columbia University professor since graduation. In 2013, Mr. Velazquez helped found Voices From Within, an educational initiative aimed at combating gun violence through the voices of inmates. The program has been used as an educational tool by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the Department of Probation, and NYPD. Mr. Velazquez also founded Forgotten Voices, an initiative to bridge the political divide between detainees, DOCCS administrators and the public. The program resulted in policy proposals, fundraisers for community youth groups, the establishment of a gun buyback program in Brooklyn, a youth mentoring program, and more. Upon his release, Mr. Velasquez will live with his mother and work to expand programs such as Voices From Within that he developed during his detention.

George Martinez, 60, convicted in 1992, 1995 and 2007 of second degree burglary and attempted burglary and fourth degree criminal possession of stolen property and attempted criminal possession of a weapon – life imprisonment. While in detention, Mr. Martinez worked to earn his GED and has become a respected chef providing volunteer cooking services for various events including cooking meals for 200 guests at a ceremony for the New York Theological Seminary. After his release, Mr. Martinez will live with his son and continue his work in the restaurant business.

Dontie Mitchell, 41, was convicted of first degree robbery, criminal use of a firearm and attempt to knowingly make / possess dangerous contraband in prison, two cases of attempted first degree robbery, two cases of criminal possession of a gun and fourth degree Grand Larceny in years 1997 and 2003, including the crimes he committed at the age of 17 and while he was homeless. Between 27 and 54 years in prison, he served 24 and a half years. During his incarceration, Mr. Mitchell focused on caring for other young men who grew up without role models. He has completed courses for his associate’s degree at Bennington College, served as a GED tutor, and mentored young men in the Mentoring and Nurturing (MAN) program. He served as youth chairman of the Sing Sing Chapter of the NAACP and Education Chairman of the Auburn Chapter of the National Trust for the Development of African American Men. Upon release, Mr. Mitchell will live with his mother and stepfather.

Richard “Lee” chalk, 63, was convicted in 1988 of two cases of second degree murder, two cases of first degree robbery, two cases of first degree burglary and second degree criminal possession of guns in connection with an incident in which he was the driver. not the shooter. He has served 33 years of a 50-year prison sentence. During his detention, Mr. Chalk earned training certificates in a variety of fields including legal research, hospitality, training for sighted leaders, and the paternity and family law program. He has also volunteered with Project Care and the American Cancer Society. After his release, Mr. Chalk plans to live with his family, obtain a commercial driver’s license and resume work as a truck driver.

forgiveness

James Pamphile, 44, found guilty of first degree bail jumping and attempted first degree assault in 2013 and third degree assault in 2011. Mr. Pamphile, an accomplished dancer, has been crime free for eight years. A pardon will allow Mr. Pamphile to remain in the United States.

Ivelisse Castillo, 60, was convicted in 2001 of attempted criminal possession of a third degree controlled substance. As a regular volunteer at a community garden, local rehabilitation and nursing home, and her church, Ms. Castillo has been crime free for 19 years and is an integral part of her community. A pardon will help Ms. Castillo remain in the United States with her extended family, including her son, mother, sister, and grandchildren.

Jorge Chinones, 47, was convicted in 1996 of attempted criminal sale of a third degree controlled substance. Since his conviction, Mr. Quinones has earned a Masters in Computer Engineering program from Boston University and has embarked on a successful career with various cybersecurity companies, including building communications helmets for the US military. For 25 years without a crime, a pardon will help Mr. Quinones remain in the United States with his family, including his wife.

Miriam Ordonez, 40, was convicted of attempted criminal sale of a third-degree controlled substance in 1999 when she was 17 and worked in a coffee shop run by a drug dealer who picked and exploited undocumented children, and in 2016 domestic violence survivor for misconduct, becomes one Pardons help Ms. Ordonez stay in the United States with her children, including her newborn baby and two special needs children.

Catherine Valdez, 35, was convicted of attempted second degree robbery in 2002 at the age of 16. Since her conviction, Ms. Valdez has worked as a professional caregiver and has earned a certificate as a Personal Care Assistant. She is currently working towards a Home Health Aid certification and is hoping to become a nurse. As the single mother and sole provider of her four children, Ms. Valdez will receive a pardon to help her stay in the United States with her family.