The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles conducts absolute pardon hearings where applicants must demonstrate genuine rehabilitation through factors including the nature and seriousness of their crimes, impact on victims, time elapsed since offenses, and efforts to become productive community members. The board may grant absolute pardons (erasing criminal records) or certificates of employability, with decisions based on individual circumstances and rehabilitation efforts.
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5/06/2026 Absolute Pardon HearingAdded:
All right, Pio Sprag, can you hear me?
>> Yeah, I can hear you.
>> All right, so I just need um Tom to make you a co-host.
>> Okay.
>> And then you should be able to admit everyone. Um, everyone's name has been changed because of the glitch. So, as you start the script, I will work on renaming everyone.
>> Obra, I'm making you a co-host right now.
>> Thank you.
>> And we are already live. So, as soon as you admit everyone, you can get started.
>> Okay. Do we want to admit these people who are signed in as like cell phones to see who they are first or just get started?
>> They're they're joined as Zoom on the cell phone and I made a note as you were checking people in who's on a Samsung and who's on an iPhone. So, I will be able to sort that out.
>> All right. I'm ready to go if everybody else is ready.
>> Okay. Board members.
>> Okay.
>> All right. Let everybody know.
>> Hello. No. Yes.
>> Good morning applicants. Uh this is the May 6, 2026 absolute pardon session of the state of Connecticut board of pardons appears being held via Zoom video conferencing and live stream to our website.
My name is Adam Sprag and I'm the hearing coordinator for today's session.
Additional board staff are also present to assist with the hearing. Presiding over the hearing will be chairperson Deborah Smith Paul Mary who will now say a few words. Thank you. Good morning. My name is Deborah Smith Palm Mary.
Presiding over today's hearing with me are fellow board members Joy Chance and Sergio Rodriguez. Please know we are committed to conducting this hearing as smoothly as possible and each of you will have an opportunity to speak. The people of the state of Connecticut have vested the board of pardons and paroles with extraordinary power to grant pardons for convictions in the state.
The board may grant an absolute pardon or a certificate of employability.
An absolute pardon, if granted, may result in the complete eraser of your record of criminal convictions in the state. However, the granting of a pardon is neither a finding of innocence nor an exoneration of your crime. Similarly, the granting of a pardon is not an indication that an applicant has been wrongfully convicted. The board may in some cases deny an absolute pardon and instead grant a certificate of employability to a person it feels is not suitable for an absolute pardon. In such cases, the board is making a statement that in its opinion, the person is suitable for employment at this time. In considering whether to grant a pardon, the board looks at, among other things, the nature and seriousness of the crimes, its impact on any victims, the length and time that has elapsed since the commission of ethic crimes, and any and all efforts the applicant has made to become a productive and contributing member of his or her community.
As applicants today to be as applicants to be heard today, the board reviewed your cases extensively at a pre-screen session held previous to this hearing.
You have been selected from a large pool of candidates and represent those who have shown serious effort towards rehabilitation.
You are all to be congratulated for your efforts to rehabilitate yourselves while becoming productive contributing members of your community. Some of you may not be pardoned today. However, I would encourage all of you, regardless of outcome, to continue on the path of rehabilitation and progress. Seek to make meaningful contributions to your society.
Please remember if you are not granted a pardon today, you may be able to reapply in the future. I wish you all the best.
The hearing coordinator will now give you further information.
Thank you, chair. Please note, if there have been any changes to your conviction status or you've had any new arrests since filing your application for a pardon with the board, you must disclose such information to the board today. If the board becomes aware of any undisclosed convictions or arrests which occurred between the receipt of your pardon application and today's hearing, your pardon will be revoked. As stated by the chair, the board may grant an absolute pardon, a certificate of employability, or your application may be denied without exception. All pardons granted by the board today are tenatively granted. Tenatively granted as used means the board may vote to grant you a pardon, but the pardon is not final until all record checks are successfully completed and your record has been cleared by the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification.
It may take up to 10 weeks from the date of this hearing to securely and safely erase your criminal history from public record. Please note, the board is not responsible for any information that may still appear on the internet or in thirdparty background checks after the granting of your pardon. Once the board has received notice your record has been erased, you will be issued a certificate of pardon by mail. Until you receive your pardon certificate in the mail, you should not assume your record has been erased. Please be careful about making any statements that you have never been arrested or convicted of a crime in Connecticut based on the result of today's hearing.
Only after you have actually received your pardon certificate can you truthfully say you have never been convicted of a crime in Connecticut.
Please pay close attention as the following information is often questioned.
You will receive your results today at the time your case is heard. Regardless of how the board votes on your application, you will also receive a letter via email within one week of today's hearing informing you of the decision. If you did not provide an email in your application, a letter will be mailed to you. Additionally, the results of today's hearing will be posted to our website within 48 hours.
As you are aware, your cases have previously been reviewed by the by the members of the board and they have read and examined all of your written submissions. The purpose of your appearance today is to allow you to make a brief presentation to the board while adding any information that is not already in your file. You are required to tell the board why you are seeking a pardon. Presentation should not last more than five minutes unless the board has questions about your case.
If everyone is ready, we shall begin.
Applicants, as part of your testimony, you are required to be sworn in. Uh, all applicants, please raise your right hand. The appropriate response to this testament is, I do. Do you solemnly swear and sincerely affirm, as the case may be, that the evidence you shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help you God or upon the penalty of perjury.
>> I do.
>> I do.
>> I do.
>> Do >> I do >> I do >> uh we will now call each applicant in turn. We will start with the applicants who are represented by council. We will then complete all of the other cases. As you are called, you will be asked to state your name to the board. You may, with the board's permission, proceed to explain why you believe you're suitable for a pardon. Attorneys may also, but are not required to address the board.
Thank you.
First up on today's pardon hearing docket, we have Gary Nato, uh, represented by attorney Lucas Watson.
Gary, please state your name for the board.
Jerry.
>> Hello.
>> Can you repeat your name, Mr. N?
>> Can you Can you hear me now?
>> Yes.
>> You need to turn There you go.
Oh, you need to unmute yourself. You just muted your mic.
No. And you lost your video again.
>> Hello.
>> There we go.
>> Just state your name, Gary.
>> My name is Gary Nato.
>> All right. If you have a brief statement, you may provide it at this time. Your attorney may also provide a statement uh if he has one. Um if you don't want to provide a statement, we can move forward with questioning.
>> Um we can move forward, please.
>> Well, I just have a brief statement. Um I would ask the board to consider Mr. Navy for a pardon. Um we acknowledge that these charges are serious. Um they are not something light to be or to be overlooked, but it's something that Mr. Naidu has taken responsibility and accountability for. And if the board will see and his record reflects that more than 20 years since this incident, he has not um had any type of police contact, not no convictions or anything else. Um he's done all the necessary treatment um anything that was requested of him while he was on probation. Um and since that time he's gone on to develop himself in term of being a productive hardworking member of society as well as growing into a father and a husband um to which he is still married to this day. We're just asking for the board to grant the pardon because Mr. they knew as we put in there would like to do more community work and specifically be able to code or work with the other daughter um which is something that he can't do now with his present charge. Um so we're asking the grant a pardon to allow him to be more a member of a community and do more community work to continue on in a positive direction um that he is in.
Thank you.
>> Thank you attorney Watson. Miss Chance.
>> Yes, Madame Chair. So, in reviewing Mr. Tonedu's um file, you know, he expressed remorse and accepted responsibility right off when he was um first arrested and you know expressed that he learned a valuable lesson about decision making.
So, he served his time incarcerated. He came out on probation. He successfully completed all his treatment programs and is a high school graduate and is currently employed at a manufacturing company.
He's married, says he has a wonderful wife and daughter and would like to be a coach at his daughter's school.
So, Madame Chair, having read Mr. Nadu's file in detail. I am in favor of granting an absolute pardon to Mr. Nadu today.
>> Thank you, Miss Chance. Mr. Rodriguez, you have anything to add or questions?
>> I think you're on mute, Mr. Rodriguez.
Can you just double check?
>> You're absolutely correct.
>> There we go.
>> No, I have I have no additional questions. I haven't agreed.
>> Okay. And I I agree with Miss Chance's summary of the case.
>> Absolutely. So in the in the matter of Gary Richard Nato I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez >> I >> Miss Chance >> I >> and the chair votes I the pardon is granted. Congratulations Mr. Nato.
>> Thank you and thank you very much.
>> I'm glad sir.
>> Next up on the docket we have Paul Eerman represented by attorney Ralph Sherman. Uh Mr. Eerman please state your name for the record.
My name is Paul Erman.
>> Uh if you have a brief statement, you may provide it at this time. Uh your attorney may provide a brief statement as well. Uh if you don't have one, just let the board know you'd like to move forward with question.
>> Good morning. I'd like to address the board briefly, please. Uh good morning, members of the board. Ralph Sherman representing Mr. Iman. Um this is a sad and and in some ways familiar scenario.
I know the board has seen this type of case many times. 16-year-old boy 35 years ago now. 16-year-old boy, his older brother just died. And what happened? He's looking for something to fill that empty space in his life. And u he gets in with a bad group of friends, drives him to a party, and the next thing he knows, the police are questioning him about the burglary where somebody died. It's very unfortunate.
It's a tragic situation.
the fact that he has never been in any other trouble before since he as a teenager he went to adult prison. He served three years and he's been just a perfectly good human being ever since.
Uh I hope the board will take that all in consideration and and he's available to answer questions of course.
>> Thank you Mr. Sherman or attorney Sherman.
Um yeah, I would like to say good morning to the board and thank you all for uh considering my uh case for a pardon. Um again, sorry.
>> Take your time.
>> I don't I I just want to apologize to the family.
This is something that nobody should ever have to go through and I and I can speak from experience.
You know, I was a great kid growing up, military family, um, great student, student athlete. Um, you know, and like attorney Sherman said, you know, I I can sympathize what victims families go through. um you know having the tragic loss of my brother two months prior to this um you know and then entering into jail I knew I had to be a positive productive inmate which I felt I did um you know receiving my GED becoming a teachers assistant helping other inmates you know to achieve getting their GEDs helped several other positions while I was in I was released early due to good behavior um followed all the rules I had to follow being on parole. Um and since then and leaving prison, you know, I had to understand to leave that behind the walls in the cell and learn how to navigate life now having, you know, a record. Um I I think I've done that for 30 plus years. uh met a beautiful woman who I've been with ever since, a great son. Um and I felt that I just have been a very productive citizen. Um I I think I've done pretty well. Uh coach football for 12 years while my son was playing. Um and then stopped coaching because I wanted to watch him, you know, continue to play in high school. Um, so I'm just asking that, you know, the board look at this situation and I think I'd be a great candidate for a full pardon.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Mr. Erman. And I would agree with everything you've stated about how you've lived your life since this conviction and attorney and your attorney attorney Sherman has stated.
Um, you've been off parole for 30 years now. Um, you completed that one term successfully. you have this one conviction from when you were a youth and we know now that individuals who are um young 16 to to their early 20s you know do have do struggle with decision-m at times and certainly had a lot going on I would concur from reviewer your file also that you've lived a productive life you've contributed to your community in a positive way you've maintained the same employment with uh several promotions now for about 16 years. Um, raised your family. So, I am glad that you applied for a pardon today and I would certainly be in favor of granting it. Miss Chance, >> I absolutely agree with everything that you've said, Madame Chair, and I have nothing more to add because I think Mr. Alleman and his attorney, attorney Sherman, at least stated why he's suitable today.
>> Agreed. And Mr. Rodriguez, you fine with that? I I do too, Madam Chair. I I agree and I acknowledge I want to acknowledge Mr. Arman's u really um work at uh improving his life and doing the things he's had to do and raising his family and do appreciate that.
>> Okay.
>> All right. So, I'll make a motion in the matter of Paul Douglas Erman to grant a full and absolute pardon. Miss Chance >> I.
>> Mr. Rodriguez I.
>> The chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Good luck to you, Mr. Erman.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you very much.
>> Thank you.
>> Good luck, sir.
>> Thank you.
>> Good luck.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Lisa Herb, uh, represented by attorney Thomas Hans, please state your name for the record.
>> Lisa Herb.
>> Uh, if you have a brief statement, you may provide it at this time, as well as if your attorney has a statement for you. Um, if you'd like to move forward with questioning, just let the board know.
>> Hello. I'd like Good morning, board. I'd like to make a brief statement. Um, there have been no changes or new arrests on Mrs. Mr. Herb's criminal record. She's 43 years old, licensed in Connecticut as a social worker, but is unable to find work due due to her three convictions. Miss has been sober since her last arrest in February 2018, over eight years ago. Missurb does not drive and understands if she were to reinstate her driver's license and get a car, it would need an interlock device installed for her.
Um, after her 2012 offenses, Miss Herb completed her required community service hours through Bristol Probation Office.
And then while she was incarcerated in 2018, Miss Herb took double the required hours of alcohol recovery classes as well. Um, since the pandemic, Miss Herb has applied to many jobs, but has frequently been rejected due to her felony criminal record and inability to drive.
With a pardon, Miss Herb hopes that she can secure steady employment or pursue further education in a doctorate program. She would also like to go back to the service focused roles she had as a licensed social worker caring for those in need. Earlier this year, Miss Herb was relicensed as a master's level social worker, but she's been unable to find employment in her field due to her record. Miss Herb is grateful that her dangerous decisions to get behind the wheel while intoxicated did not end up in injury to people or property. If Miss Herb is granted a pardon, it will still be many years before Miss Herb considers driving again. Miss Herb is most looking for financial stability of a job of steady employment before considering reinstating her driver's license, purchasing a car, or having and having the interlock device installed. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Attorney Hunts. All right, so Mr. We'll be asking you a few questions.
Mr. Rodriguez, >> uh, did she want to say did she want to make a statement? She didn't want to make a statement.
>> Okay. I just didn't know. I thought you uh, well, obviously for me, this was a concerning uh, situation.
Um, and you know, we always have to take public safety into consideration when we do when we do our uh decision- making.
And the fact that there were these three different episodes, you know, did did concern me. Uh, I will say that I'm I'm um want to acknowledge that you, you know, done educational work and and you've really looked like you've really, you know, started to try to put your life back together. One of the questions that I had was how are you maintaining your sobriety?
Oh, that was the last time when I got pulled over. That was it. Like it it woke me up, you know.
I don't even work in the field anymore.
It was that scary.
>> You I'm sorry. Did you say you didn't you don't work in the field anymore?
>> No.
>> Let me say you you were working in the field.
>> I was working in a field of like alpha and stuff like that. So like I was working at bars and I was coming home from one one job and I got pulled over and it just woke me up because I grew up you know I wasn't thinking back then I was too too stupid.
>> I mean having been in the business I mean you do realize the seriousness of addiction right did you feel you feel you had an addiction problem >> looking back at it? Yeah.
And but at this moment, you're not doing anything around you supporting yourself with any AA or anything like that.
>> No, I don't need I don't need any of that. Like I did my classes. Um I just grow up. I mean, I got old.
>> Yeah. I have to be honest with you, Mr. I'm a little challenged by that knowing what I know about addiction. And I mean just you know the fact that these three and they're so separate you know 2012 and the 2018 which is and what happened in between 2012 and 2018 to get you back to drinking again. I'm not sure what happened to put you in that spot again.
>> I don't know what to say. Like I just grew out of it. Like I realized how dangerous it was. Like I could have hurt somebody. You never know.
>> You were lucky. You were very lucky that you didn't hurt someone, >> right? And um I lost a few friends due to drinking and driving. So it's really really scary.
I would never do it again. Like I feel horrible. Like something could have really been wrong. So that's >> Have you been have you been doing have you been doing anything in the community to to give back to the community or to any volunteer work you've been doing anything like that?
>> I worked for two and a half years for free as a medical social worker through um school and everything like that. Um >> that that was as part of your education experience.
>> Yes. like intern doing an intern work.
>> But I also worked overtime and I didn't have to do that.
>> Yeah.
I mean, I want I want to listen what my colleagues have to say at this point and uh how you respond and I'm going to reserve my uh decision to that point.
>> Okay.
>> Thank you so much. Thank you so much for answering my question.
>> Thank you for having me.
>> Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez. So, Mi Merb, I I was reading that and it was stated um by your attorney that you did double classes when you served um time for this last DUI at York. Can you talk a little bit about the programming that you did at York? I know you said you grew up, but was there any thing that from those programs that have allowed you to to remain sober in the community?
>> Yeah. Um, and even the experience there because they have a whole entire um, room that people that have DUIs like in prison, like you spend the time with all of those people every single day. And some people actually um got in a car accident and like killed people. So that that's what woke me up. I was like, whoa, it's a really scary I'm about to cry. I'm sorry. It's a really serious situation. like I would never do it again. Like you know what I mean? Like it wasn't just the classes. It was going through what people's memories were of like you know taking out a family like one one lady I'm sorry she hit somebody and like there was like two little kids in the car. It was just like horrible.
So that that was enough. and the classes in there that um it just taught you like situational awareness like pay attention to what you're doing because you can pause really horrible things. So, >> and you know, your attorney mentioned a couple of times also that you're not driving anymore.
>> So, you know, we live in Connecticut.
Public transportation is not the best in Connecticut. So I I mean that's an interesting decision to to make rather than just saying I'm going to remain sober so driving really shouldn't be an issue. What's what's your thinking behind that?
>> Um I learned how to take the bus. So >> um I can't I can't afford it in Connecticut. Literally I I can't can't even afford to drive. So >> All right. So, so it's because you'd have to have the interlock and car insurance and I'm sure that would be an extravagant that that is >> Yeah. And I live alone. I you know my parents passed away so it's like I don't have anybody to rely on so I can't you know pick myself up and go when you know I have a felony charge.
>> Yeah. Yeah. You know you you have quite an education. um very impressive and and I congratulate you on on having the the motivation to continue on in the field of social work through all your classes um in whether it was for the the drug and alcohol counseling or or your masters for social work. What have you what have you kind of taken in about support in the community for people that struggle with addiction or mental health?
do and why don't you feel like maybe some sort of support would be helpful for you?
>> Um I have really good teachers like all my teachers were doctors in psychology. So um I don't know how to answer that.
>> Oh well just you know through social work we learn um through your schooling and your experience working. I'm sure you've seen that peer support can often be really helpful in in somebody's recovery, whether it's for a physical injury or mental health or substance abuse. So, I I find it interesting that you haven't engaged in any kind of peer support.
>> Oh, I I still professors. So, like I'm very fortunate that um especially um I don't know if I can say names or like whatever. Um Dr. Mandelle, she's like trying to help me find a job cuz I told her about this whole process and she's ready to give me a reference and like help me like cuz she has a private practice and that's what I would like to do and she might offer me supervision.
I'm not sure. So, um she's, you know, a good leader in the community and um I don't know if it wasn't for her like I had the best teachers.
>> Yeah. And you feel like I'm getting a a sense that you feel like through through your programs, through your schooling and and the teachers, you have support through them.
>> Oh, yeah. To this day, I graduated what 2018 or something. I don't remember now.
>> You stay in contact with them.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. Okay. All right. Thank you, Miss Chance.
>> Yes, Madam Chair. So, Mr. Herb, I'm going to go back to the question that my colleague uh Mr. Rodriguez asked you. He asked you how you're maintaining your sobriety and your answer was I grew out of it.
Now, that's not sufficient for me.
I want to hear, you know, during my incarceration, I uh participated in the substance abuse program and this was my takeaway from it. Or I attend a or any meetings and you know, I realize that I'm not alone and that the support is there. That would be good. But you didn't say any of that. You said you acknowledged that you had an addiction problems and you did classes.
Then you said you benefited from the experience of being in the classes at York.
Um, so those are concerns for me. there are no peer support that you have. And I hear you say that your psychologist and your um uh social worker um teachers are your support and you keep saying I would never do it again. For me, it's not sufficient, Miss Herb, because uh having the experience of of dealing and and talking with um people who have um who have these charges, there is a lot more that they share about maybe doing the 12th step uh to try and go back and determine why did I even start drinking.
>> Mhm. you know, so I don't know if you knew why. And the concern was the the elapse time. You know, the first two that you got was in the same year, like 6 months apart, >> but the most recent one was like 6 years later.
And so that one occurred in the same month as the first one.
So I want to know what started you off with drinking and have you been able to address that particular problem?
>> Okay. Yeah. So I was working for Annheiser and I was a bud model and they encouraged us to drink. So it's not it was normal back then and it it's not it's not a good place to work. So I left that field completely. I went to college. I had amazing professors and like um I did AA I had that support group for a while.
>> When did you do that AA group? Because I that's the first time I've heard you mention it.
>> No, it's a long time ago. I I don't remember. And then um I did double the classes at York and you know just having my DRC degree, drug and alcohol recovery degree like that's support too, you know, having them.
>> When you were back in the community, where did you do your community service hours?
Um, I can't remember. Uh, it's called Helping Hands in Bristol.
>> Okay.
Um you know Miss Herb I really um you know first you know want to acknowledge the fact that you had the courage to go on and um complete your formal education.
Um because we certainly need people like yourself in our community who goes on and gets a formal education as a way of helping. But the concern for me today is I just did not hear uh a complete enough um plan on how you're maintaining your sobriety other than the support from your um your professors and teachers. So for me it's a concern and it is unusual that you would opt to take you know the bus as opposed to but I understand the financial piece >> and um I know it it must be difficult you know navigating transportation but for me I really think you need to go back and I I know you said you were working somewhere and they encouraged you to drink, but um I don't know if I didn't want to drink whether anyone could encourage me to drink and if I have to do a toast then I would say okay I'll drink water or ginger ale. So, I don't know, you know, what your age was at the time or how you were influenced, but I >> Well, I'm 44 now, you know.
>> Yeah.
>> But anyway, Madame Chair, that's where my concern is.
>> Thank you. M Miss Merb, what are you doing for employment right now?
Um, I'm not working right now.
>> Okay.
>> It's this felony is like in the way of like everything >> of of doing social work, social work.
>> Like even my I applied for um my doctor's degree and they asked me if I ever had a felony on my charge and I said yes. And now I have to like I'm stuck not doing that, >> you know.
>> Okay. So, how do you how do you support yourself? Yeah. Yeah. I I I don't disagree with you. You know, as as you continue on and you know, you're unemployed, it's almost harder to to then secure. How do you now?
>> Uh I saved money. I worked really hard and I saved money. So like, but right now it's like cutting it close.
>> Okay. All right. Thank you very much for answering all our questions. All right.
So, we're going to just talk about your case for a minute or two. All right. Mr. Rodriguez, what are your thoughts? Oh, Madam Chair, this is this is a difficult case. I mean, because I can I can see the challenge that Miss Herb faces, especially her financial challenge and work and employment and those kind those kinds of things. But I have such a concern about the thinking around the situation of addiction for her. Um, she worked in the field of addiction and recovery. Uh so it kind of it surprises me that there's no there was no planning around when this happened to follow up and getting back into some sort of recovery network or some sort of recovery situation or um where where she could gather the support that that all of us have talked about that a lot of folks who suffer with addiction uh utilize and need some need. Um so I'm struggling with that. Um, I I I would like to see her more involved. Um, maybe go back to AA or get back involved, maybe see car that might be able to help her and also maybe even get her reconnected to the recovery network where she can use her her the education that she's worked so hard to obtain for herself. Maybe that would be something she could do. Um um so I I I'm not there today with this, but I'm happy to hear what my colleagues have to say >> at that point. Right now I'm in denial at this point.
>> Okay. All right. And Miss Chance, I got the sense that you feel you're down the same path as Mr. Rodriguez and would like to see a little bit more um in terms of support in the community.
>> Right.
>> Yeah. You know, I I I agree with both my colleagues. Uh it's unusual that somebody with um Ms. Herb's history comes before us and doesn't really have um a lot of support in terms of maintaining her sobriety. Uh I do I am impressed with her continuing education.
Miss Chance used the word courage. Um I think that's a a really important >> um attribute to kind of push forward.
>> Uh it has been the you know six years since that arrest. Um she has worked several of jobs. I think at around the time of those uh first two DUI she was working in an industry that probably promoted alcohol use and irresponsible alcohol use at the time.
Um I did got the sense that she was quite impacted by all she learned and at York going through the programs. Uh I do think for me today as though I would I love Mr. C uh Mr. Rodriguez suggestion of SECAR. I think it's a great spot and certainly she's got so many skills to offer.
>> Yeah, she's got so many education, skills, knowledge. Yeah, for me I I would be in favor of granting her pardon today. I do understand where my colleagues are are struggling. Um and I do think that um I miss her could benefit from this the support of some programming. I do feel that she's made efforts and you know we do have a colleague that says you know everybody's path to recovery is different. Um so I would give her that this would be her path is education improving herself through education.
So um I'll make a motion uh both my colleagues I'll go on the minority. So with regard to Lisa May Herb I'm move to deny an absolute pardon for the following reasons >> number 13. Okay. Your criminal history consists of repetitive acts against persons and or property. At this time, public safety requires the official record of your criminal history remain intact. M >> number 12, whichever one you feel is I don't know which one, Mr. Rodri.
>> I think I think 13 is is good. And you know >> Okay. All right. Um >> and I would encourage um Mr. her to to seek out u uh programs like CCAR that really might be very beneficial for her. So if she decides to reapply, it could really help her along the way, I think.
>> Okay. So for me, if Miss Herb would just maybe take another year and revisit um you know how she's staying sober, I would certainly um acknowledge that and hope to see her reapply in another year.
>> Okay. All right. I'll make this motion again. With regard to Lisa May Herb, I move to deny an absolute pardon application for the following reason.
Your criminal history consists of repetitive acts against persons and/or property. At this time, public safety requires official record of your criminal history remain intact. Miss Chance, >> nay. Sorry.
>> Well, you I'm making a motion to deny.
>> I >> I Mr. Rodriguez >> I.
>> And the chair votes nay. So, the pardon is denied for today. Right. Wish you the best of luck, Miss.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Mirise Hot represented by attorney Msina.
>> Please state your name for the record.
Good morning. My name is Mayor Weiss Hot.
>> Thank you. At this time, if you or your attorney have a statement to provide, uh, you may provide it.
>> Do you have an attorney with you today, Mr. Hot?
>> I'm here, ma'am. Attorney Jason Msina. I was going to allow Mr. Hot to speak first.
>> Okay.
Please.
>> Good morning everyone.
>> Good morning. Do you have an opening statement?
>> I briefly do. Yes. Yes, ma'am. I just want to say to the board that uh >> I'm a proud father of three, married, proud husband. They've been married for 16 plus years. I have a full-time job. I work. I've been sat community. Um, I'd like to be heard and reconsider for pardon, please.
>> All right. Thank you, Mr. Hot. Attorney Msina.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. We are we are here today. The the matters before you are over 20 years old. Mr. Hot is currently 46 and as he stated, the father of three and a loving husband and father. Uh these matters are a a young relationship that was very emotionally charged uh and got out of hand uh between immaturity and emotionality that resulted in the arrest and convictions.
Since these Mr. Techch has had no experience or interactions with the law.
Um he's in fact built himself up in the community starting low in his job currently as the general manager and as you see in his application he's in the process of purchasing his own car dealership which is really the primary reason for him seeking a pardon today to bypass the hurdles of the um the commercial requirements of Chevrolet or GM General Motors. Uh, I think he's appropriate candidate. I and I appreciate your time today.
>> Thank you, Attorney Mscina. All right. U Miss Chance, do you have any questions for Mr. Hot?
>> Um, you know, I I read Mr. the hotel um file and I know it's been over 20 years, but it was such a pleasure reading about how he moved up in this company and is um getting ready to purchase his own dealership.
And I know I I I read his is his his file, you know, where he is expressed his remorse and you know what was going on with him at the time.
I wasn't sure if I heard clearly, but I wanted to ask Mr. Hotak one question.
How have you given back to your community?
>> Well, ma'am, uh I've I've been a lot involved with community um with charities. I attend charities. I go to my kids schools.
I participate in the school programs, basketball, baseball.
>> I don't mean giving.
>> I don't mean giving Mr. Hotak physically doing something spending time, not just giving a donation.
>> I understand. Sorry about that. Well, I've been I've been out of trouble all these years and I've been trying to get myself better built for my family, for myself, and for everyone around me. Tried to be a better human being all around. Um, what I've done in the past, not a proud of it. I had a very unhealthy relationship and which made me a better person in general. And here I am today with three kids and married for over 16 years.
>> Yeah. So let me just say to you Mr. POTAC as part of what we consider um in granting someone a pardon is uh you know whatever offense you committed uh yes you know you you have done well for yourself and we like to hear that people have given something back to their community in terms of their own personal time and um the other question that I wanted to ask you is um what about the victim?
Have you seen or been in contact or seen her anywhere around?
>> No, ma'am. I haven't spoke to I haven't seen her since the incident. I haven't seen her at all.
>> Okay. Well, you know, as you said, you know, you've done well in just focusing on yourself and your children. Um, and I know you're in the process of purchasing your own dealership. But I hope going forward because you are such a successful person that one day you're going to think about the fact that you know you you you did something you're granted a pardon and this is something that you can do which should make yourself feel better.
You know what I'm saying?
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> Okay. All right. Well, I'm all set, Madame Chair.
>> Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez. Any >> I don't have any questions, Madam Chair.
>> Okay. Uh nor do I. So, is any objection to granting the pardon application today?
>> None at all, Madame Chair. I more than happy to um grant Mr. Hotak an absolute pardon today.
>> Thank you. So, in the matter of Myus Hot, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez, >> I. Miss Chance >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Congratulation, Mr. Hotak.
>> Thank you all.
>> You know, we hope you'll give back to your community.
>> Thank you, man. Thank you.
>> Thank you to the board.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Maxiano Aguilar Cortez represented by Attorney Sroken. Maximiano, please state your name for the record.
>> Uh, my name is Maximian Aguilar and attorney Matthew Siroken. For Mr. Agular. Just so the board's aware, we did request an interpreter for Mr. Aguilar and one of my other applicants, um, Jose Venezuela.
Um, and there doesn't appear to be an interpreter. They've indicated they want to try and proceed without one. Um, if that's acceptable and I guess if we run into problems, maybe we can move them to another.
>> I I mean, if you if Mr. Agular Cortez is better with an interpreter. We certainly want to see if we can provide that and we can um just set the case aside for a moment. We do have an interpreter. I just need to see if she's available.
>> That would be great. Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you. Can we just pause for a moment while we Who's the other client for your interpreter, M?
>> Yeah, Valenuela. And I could have him come in as my second if the interpreter is um ready.
>> Okay. All right.
>> Oh, okay.
>> That would be good. Yeah, he's number 11.
>> All right, just give me a moment.
>> Thank you.
>> Okay.
Uh, PO Sprag.
>> Yeah, I'm going to go check on that right now.
>> Can you reach out? Okay. Thank you.
Wow.
It's the Is the interpreter available?
>> Yeah, she's logging on to the Zoom right now.
>> Okay.
Yeah.
>> And we'll need to go through the the beginning of today's hearing with the interpreter.
Like do you want to go through the whole opening scripts?
>> Yes.
>> Okay.
>> That's where it's where I'm at again.
>> Um.
>> Yes. And we apologize attorney.
>> Yeah. So does the interpreter have the opening script? I can bring that over to her.
>> I believe she does.
>> Okay.
>> I will make sure right now.
>> Yeah.
>> Would you like me to have Mr. Valenzuela come in for the opening script and to swear him in?
>> Yeah. Do both of them.
>> Yes, >> absolutely.
>> My name is Why don't you sit in my seat while they do that? They're going to swear you both in your seat. So, we're going to tell the truth. Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So, there you go. Grab a seat right here.
>> Board members, I have sent the interpreter the Zoom link and I'm just waiting to see her join the lobby.
>> Thank you.
All right. So, I have uh BOP interpreting clerk Daisy Gaparel with me right now. She is going to read and translate the opening script in Spanish.
Can you swear her in >> Yeah, we're going to swear.
All right. So, the appropriate response to this statement is I do. Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear and sincerely affirm as the case may be that you will faithfully discharge according to law your duties as an interpreter to the best of your abilities? So help you God upon penalty of perjury?
>> I do.
>> All right. We'll begin with the opening remarks.
Absolutely.
Zoom is a transmission.
Smith pier eian estan loy chance Rodriguez Smith, we can turn over to the chat.
>> I think they already said it.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay.
Smith Joy Chance Rodriguez.
Absolut. own certific Absolute certific. Fore persona is momentto An election.
Asserts contribution contribution signific information.
Gracias.
Fore information.
exception.
Connecticut responsible.
fortoech.
Connecticut in Connecticut.
Inform Addition.
So Gracias.
much.
>> All right. So, we'll start with Max.
Okay. Again, so thank you the board attorney Matthew Sok and Mr. Aguilar. Um my client is 69 years old. He's been out of trouble for almost 25 years now. He's raised six children, has 11 grandchildren during that time period.
Also maintained consistent employment u to um support his family and his grandchildren. Um he also plays bass in a band which is significant because they often play for free at church events, fundraising events as a way to give back to the community um to help the community at those events. A pardon now is going to allow him to continue to be a positive example for his family and future generations of his family. I think given how long it's been in his age, he's an excellent candidate. I'll turn things over to my client or the board with any questions.
Read that.
>> All right. Does the interpreter want to interpret that?
>> I would need a repetition. That was a lot of information very fast. Um, so I only have bits and pieces. If interpretation is needed, I do need like to be at a slower pace or briefer and then pause.
>> Thank you. We will make sure that happens. Um, attorney Sorin.
>> Yes, I I certainly Well, I think if the board would prefer my client to understand what I said, I can certainly repeat it. I don't think it's necessary for the purpose of the hearing. As long as the board heard it and my client can address the board um in Spanish, I'll speak slower going forward.
>> Thank you.
>> You want to read it in Spanish and English?
>> Either one. Whatever you prefer.
>> I think Spanish.
>> Spanish. Okay. Go ahead.
>> Uh go. Um this slowly so they can interpret.
for the interpreter.
>> Dear board members, thank you for taking the time to review my case and for giving me the opportunity to hear me out. I really appreciate your time and attention.
I want to express my deepest regrets for the crimes or offenses that I have committed and I really want to apologize for it or my sincerest apologies.
for my past actions. I really regret the decisions that I that I' taken or that I've taken in the past.
Those do not reflect the person that I am today. I have worked really hard. I have learned from my mistakes and I have improved myself or I have become a better person.
With time, I've grown and I've developed a better understanding of the consequences of my actions.
not just for myself but for others. I've really made a conscientious effort.
for uh to change my life for the better. Um, I am committed to continue in this positive path and to continue with the process that I have accomplished.
Respectfully, I ask that you consider my application.
I promise to continue to be a responsible, respectful um person and a productive member of the community.
Thank you again for your time and your consideration.
Okay.
>> Thank you, Mr. Aguiler Cortez. We appreciate your opening comments. Um I I do not really have any questions for you. I think the application speaks for itself.
Um, your request for a pardon for two driving under the influences that occurred in 1985 and 1994 and a threatening conviction which you served two years of probation for in two in the year 2000.
interpreter would like to verify that the years of driving under the influence 85 and 94. Is that correct?
>> Yes.
>> Thank you. Uh Thank you. And Mr. Agular Cortez has maintained his sobriety according to his application since 1994, having participated in AA classes initially and has gone on also to maintain employment with the same company for about 25 years now. So based on his stability in the community, um the fact that his criminal history goes back a number of years, 26 years, um I would be in favor of granting his application today.
Fore classes.
Thank you, Miss Chance. Mr. Rodriguez, do you have any questions or follow comments?
>> You know, it's it's no question, but just a comment. You know, I want to say um Mr. Agular Cortez said right after the second DUI, he stopped drinking and attended AA classes. But not only did he do that, um, you know, he's giving back to his community and he's giving back through his church where he has support and he plays at fundraising events for sick children. And I want to say to Mr. Agular how much Cortez how much I appreciate him continuing to give back to his community.
>> Thank you.
>> That's what I want to add.
Uh, see I call it anonymous.
Mr. Rodriguez, anything to to comment or add?
>> No, Madam Chair, thank you very much.
And I have no no objection or do I have any any questions? Great. In the matter of Maximo Argula Cortez, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez, >> I.
>> Miss Chance, >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted.
Absolut.
>> Thank you. Congratulations.
Jose. Yep.
>> Uh, chairperson Smith Paul Mary. We're gonna go to number 11 on the docket now.
>> Yes, >> that is correct.
>> Okay.
>> Yes.
>> So, next up on the docket, we have Jose de la Cruz Valenuela.
State your name for the record.
>> My name is Jose Valenzuela. Jose Valenzuela. I'll speak slowly briefly.
My client is 41 years old. His last conviction arise at out of conduct that occurred over 14 years ago.
address.
>> The most serious uh convictions on his record arose out of conduct that occurred approximately 25 years ago when he was still a teenager. And since that time, he consciously made changes in his life so that he would not repeat those same important decisions that led to his criminal record.
He changed his environment, his decision-m he focused on his family, and obtaining a pardon now will allow him to continue to pursue new employment opportunities and be in a better position to support his family and provide uh financial stability. Think he's an excellent candidate, especially given his age at the time of the uh most serious incident. And I'll turn things over to my client, the board, with any questions.
Okay. Um, Mr. Rodriguez.
>> Uh, thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Mr. Venezuela, at least on the original charge we have here for risk of injury uh disorderly conduct was 22 years ago.
Um you are you still working at this point? Are you still employed with the host hotel?
Valenuel?
>> Yes, I'm still working for the hotel.
Okay. So, he's he's had a pretty steady job. He's working on his child support.
He's um you know, with the exception of his situation in 2013, which does provide me some concern, it would seem that Mr. Venezuela has been has been, you know, trying to work on his life and change his life. Um I'm going to be supporting granting his pardon today.
>> Thank you, Miss Chance. Oh, excuse me.
We'll have the interpreter.
Joy Chance, Mr. Valenuela, what is your relationship with the mother of your two oldest children?
Uh well, I have a good relationship with her. I try to support her in whatever she needs. And I also have a very good relationship with my children. They stay home with me um constantly.
>> Great. Madame Chair, that's all the question I have. I think Mr. Venezuela uh his information that he presented was accurate. That was the um only concern that I had um in terms of his New York his Connecticut charges.
>> So I too would be in favor.
>> Excellent.
Thank you. I I agree. Mr. Venezuela has certainly made some um positive progress um in his life to be productive, maintained uh co-parenting relationship with the victim in one of these cases. They have two children together. He certainly has maintained stable employment um and appears to be living well in the community. So I will make a motion in the matter of >> just translate that real quick.
>> Thank you. Sure. Valenuelch.
Okay. So, in the matter of Jose Dela Cruz Valencia, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez >> I.
>> Miss Chance >> I. And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Congratulations.
Cruz, Venezuela.
Thank you. Send my hand in. Okay. Okay.
Thank you.
>> Next up on the docket we have Ryan Joseph Bernier and Attorney Matthew Surroken. Mr. Bernier present. Come in the in the room. You grab a seat, sit down, and state your name for the record.
>> Thank you, madam interpreter.
>> Go ahead. Ryan Bernier.
>> And briefly, my client is 42 years old.
He's been out of trouble for over six years now. His entire record arises from his struggles with alcohol abuse. Not surprisingly, he's also been sober for the same amount of time six years now.
His transformation and his commitment to sobriety happened when he was in jail.
During that time, he found religion. And on his upon his release, he became very active in a faith-based recovery program called Celebrate Recovery, which he still remains very active in to this day. In addition to his work with the church, which he's extremely active in as well, um he stayed in close contact with the prison minister who inspired this change. That person actually attended his recent wedding. A pardon now is going to allow him and his wife, his new wife, to hopefully adopt a child in the near future and travel to Canada to um care for some elderly relatives. I think given his commitment to sobriety, what he's doing in the faith faith-based recovery community, he's an excellent candidate. I'll turn things over to my client at the board with any questions.
>> Thank you, Attorney Surin.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the pardon board. My name is Ryan Bernier. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my journey since my arrest and conviction.
Going to jail was both the worst and best thing that ever happened to me. It truly saved my life. I take full responsibility of my bad choices.
And I recognize how serious this matter is. I don't have any excuses.
Jail was my rock bottom.
I immediately enrolled in an outpatient program because I knew I needed help. It was during that time that I began my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have been sober since March of 2019.
My conviction date was October 23rd of 2019.
While incarcerated, I made the decision to attend and fully engage in men's fraternity at Syolski prison. The men's fraternity changed my life. It was there that I met Timothy Gidman, a man who mentored to mentored me, mentored to me, and introduced me to a program called Celebrate Recovery. This Christ-c centered recovery program helped me work through the steps, understand myself more deeply, and recognize why I made the destructive choices I did. Through it, I have found victory over alcohol and marijuana addiction, resentment, and anxiety. I continue to work through peopleleasing tendencies and pride to this day. Over the past seven years, I have not simply maintained my sobriety.
I have built my entire new life around it.
I have remained committed committed to weekly step studies with my mentor, weekly therapy and weekly celebrate recovery meetings. And now I volunteer and serve within the program as well as my church.
Each year has brought deeper healing, greater accountability, and a clear sense of purpose. I am not the same person who stood before the court in 2019.
That man was lost. The man standing before you this morning is grounded, faithful, and devoting to living differently.
This past October, I was blessed with a marriage. Timothy Gidman, the man I met during the darkest moment of my life, was there to witness it. The Lord is truly amazing.
These changes also have allowed me to progress in my career as a field iron worker to a field superintendent which I am very grateful for.
I respectfully ask the pardon board to grant me a full pardon so that I can put my dark past behind me and continue moving in the the life that I have worked so hard to rebuild.
I am faithfully walking with the Lord, serving my community, and committed to never returning to who I was. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Mr. Bernier. That was very nice. Um, gave us a little bit more insight than what we had in the application. We appreciate that. Miss Chance, do you have any questions for Mr. Bernier? Comments?
>> You know, I just want to um make a comment to Mr. Bernier because um I wish everyone who comes before us with these charges doesn't have to do all that Mr. Verier has done, but he has outlined and acknowledged the reason behind his drinking and how he's gained support and what he has done during incarceration and after.
I so much appreciate, Mr. Bernier, the fact that you um and I'm assuming that your work with Celebrate Recovery and in the work that you're doing in your church was part of your way of doing all the community service hours that you have to do.
And I just want to say I wish you all the best of luck on your continued journey.
Um, and I hope that you stand as an example to others who go through a similar experience as you did. So, thank you.
>> Thank you, Miss Chance.
>> Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. I I just hope that folks who are watching or listening um and coming up can can hear from um this gentleman from, you know, Mr. Bernier, the work that he's put into his recovery and how important that is to us to understand and hear and listen to because those are the things that we need to be able to to make our decisions. We need to be able to understand those and I appreciate the work that he's done and I hope he continues to do it. Uh and really remains focused on his recovery. Um and I wish him a lot of luck. I don't have any additional questions for him.
>> Thank you. All right. I have nothing further. So in the matter of Ryan Joseph Bernier I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Miss Chance >> I.
>> Miss Rodriguez >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Congratulations, Mr. Bernier.
>> Thank you so much. Greatly appreciate it.
>> Thank you.
>> Good luck.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Wfredo Enrique Perez Jr. represented by attorney Matthew Sroen.
>> Attorney Matthew Sroen from Mr. Perez.
Sitting down. Just state your name for the record. Good morning. Uh, good afternoon. Referred to Perez.
>> Briefly, Mr. Perez is 41 years old.
Although there is a conviction from an incident approximately seven years ago, the majority of his criminal record occurred when he was a very young man in 2008 or before. He made many decisions during that time that he regrets.
However, for him, his transformation began in 2005 when his daughter was born. When his daughter was born, he began to leave his old way of life behind. He focused on positive endeavors. And I would argue that that transformation became complete after the last incident when he learned the hard way that the last step was he had to re-evaluate who he was associating with, not just his own personal actions. He made those changes and he continued on that positive path. He recently obtained a bachelor's degree in digital cinematography and um he uh plans to potentially consider getting a master's degree while he builds a business and pursues opportunities in that field. Um so he's still going in that direction and doing positive things in his life. a pardon now is going to help him continue to build that business um pursue opportunities in that field and importantly he's very passionate about the Boys and Girls Club that he gives back to in an unofficial capacity now I think one of his references came from the Boys and Girls Club but he has plans to expand his efforts there once he's able to without a criminal record something he's very passionate about he's made a point to tell me about on several occasions I think given the path that he's been on for quite some time where he is today and his age when the majority of these incidents occurred think he's an excellent cand and I'll turn things over to my client or the board with any questions.
>> Thank you, Attorney Surin.
>> Good afternoon. So, yeah, my name is Wilfredo Perez. Um, first of all, I want to thank you guys for um seeing my case uh and see uh reviewing the application.
Um, so yeah, like you said, I I you know, this my past has been it's there.
You know, I I take an accountability for all of it. Um, I do a lot of work with the Bristol Boys and Girls Club, but it's always in the shadow because of my criminal history. So, I'm never able to kind of like partner or do some of the mentoring programs that I started. I, as he said, also I am I do have a business where uh we have a recording studio, podcast studio, and uh where we do a lot of engineering stuff that we teach to the kids. And you know, unfortunately, because of my criminal history, I wasn't able to be a part of the Boy Club's uh program that they just introduced that I was very much a part of putting together, well, helping put together. So, it's just things like that, you know, and and again, um furthering my career in in uh cinematography and, you know, getting those getting those jobs also. Sorry, little nervous.
Apologize. Okay.
All right. Okay. So, I I appreciate your comments and attorney Sroen's comments.
I mean, you since your last conviction, you have certainly done a lot of good work. Um, and who you know, the Boys and Girls Club, they've been around forever and they can always use individuals who have some lived experience and can mentor in the communities. So, right off the top, I want to thank you for all your unofficial work that you've you've done with them. I think it's it's a incredible way to give back to your community. Um I probably my biggest concern because you know you've gone on to continue your education.
uh you've maintained employment and then you I was looking at your criminal history and you know most of your convictions are from the young age of 17 to 24 and we get that you know young people they struggle with decision making consequences um they're impulsive but then you know 2009 you're granted uh an unconditional discharge well on one case you have a a one year that you serve, you're on probation, but then in 2019, you fall back into that old pattern of ways. Can you tell us a little bit about how why you think that occurred and what you learned from that?
>> Sure. So, off the bat, um, you know, me being we we're taught early on in all the years that I've been in trouble or you know, with the law, I've learned a long time ago that p people, places, and things, right? So, um, unfortunately me always trying to give back, me always trying to help. I had a restaurant around that time that I closed down and a lot of the people that I hired were, you know, people I was given a second chance to or I thought was given a second chance to before I closed down.
Um, and some of these people just stayed in my life. And I just didn't separate the even though I wasn't using or doing anything with drugs, I didn't separate the two of being around people that are using or or people that are involved in that world is still is the same thing as me actually just being involved. So, um, I mean, that's the best way I could put I could put that.
>> Okay. I mean it it does >> you know just outside of that I don't I I don't associate myself with people in that way and if I and if I do it's through the programs it's through the boys club it's no longer uh associations outside of uh when it comes to helping people outside of of the of the programs.
>> All right. And you got a suspended sentence for that last conviction in three years probation. Would did you have anything particular that you had to do for probation? Any kinds of community service or treatment?
>> Well, I was already doing I had some community service I done, but I was already doing community service. I was already involved with the um the uh local Democrat Democratic Party and doing some work with them. Um yeah, so I had to do I had to do all of that and and pretty much just, you know, stayed away from those type of people.
Okay. All right. All right. Thank you, Mr. Perez. Mr. Rodriguez, do you have any questions or comments?
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Well, I mean I mean I had some similar similar concerns. Um I mean it's good to hear the work that you're putting in to the community, working with young people and uh you know trying to trying to mentor them because the life that you led is certainly something you don't want our young um young men to get involved with and it's good that you can share your experience with them. Uh that's a positive thing. I mean, I had some concerns about your unsuccessful um community releases sometimes. Some of your probations that didn't work out for you. What happened?
>> Huh?
>> A couple times you were on probation four times, but two of them two of your doctors weren't weren't successful for some reason. You were they were unsatisfactory. What happened? Um, oh, I mean, all I can say is I I I don't know exactly what to refer what you're referring to, but if it's there, I don't know. I could just charge it to being young and and and doing those things that I was doing in those in those times, you know. Um, kind of living living my life.
uh go >> sorry can't find the words to use to explain it but you know during those times I wasn't you know times before my kid times before my transition back into the world the right way you know so I don't know >> you do have you do have a drug history right um and the other concern that I had not major but you currently continue to use alcohol now.
>> You're still you're still you're still drinking.
>> I have I'm I'm 41 years old. I've never even at a social event, too, but I I I have in the past few months or in the past few years. Yes.
>> I never I haven't with uh with substance abuse.
>> Do you do anything around the substance abuse community?
>> I do. involved in any anything involved with any kind of recovery programs or >> um >> anything even if it's just speaking at places where you may I'm just trying to find out.
>> I have the past couple years the past two years I've been really focused on I just graduated in February with my bachelors. So for the past >> congratulations on that by the way.
>> Appreciate that. But yeah, so for the past two years in between that, it was more so just locking in and kind of perfecting the stuff that I needed to perfect in my world at that time. I have a daughter, third year in college right now. I have two two little boys, a five and a six-year-old. So, it's a lot. It was a it's a lot going on, you know. So, I even had to step back from a lot of the production work that I was doing because it involved a lot of traveling and being out of state. So, more of the things that I've been doing was going to school. um helping uh you know taking care of my mother and helping with the with the Bristol Boys and Girls Club every time you know they need me for whatever.
>> Well, listen, thank you for answering my questions, but I you know I hope as you continue to share your your experience and your stories with young people that it helps to remind you of the things that you need to do to keep yourself on track.
>> All right, this Thank you. I had no more questions.
>> Miss Chance, do you have any followup or comment?
You know, Mr. Perez, I I listened to you as you were talking trying to explain, you know, the the the most recent charge that you got. I got the impression that you sort of became complacent and was still, you know, around the people that you thought um, you know, you were doing some good for.
But what I appreciate about what happened is they say it's not what you do but what you do after.
And you went back to providing service to the Boys and Girls Club of Bristol.
And for that I certainly appreciate you doing that because you could have gone off and done other things but you went back to where you know that you would be appreciated.
So thank you.
>> Thank you for that.
>> Okay. Good luck sir.
>> Thank you. So in the matter of Wilfredo and Marrique Perez Jr. I make a motion to grant I make a motion.
Second make a motion to to grant an absolute pardon. Miss Chance >> I >> Mr. Rodriguez >> I >> and the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Congratulations.
>> Thank you so much.
>> Thank you. Just send. Next up on the docket, we have Carlos Lionel Ralden.
Uh, represented by attorney Matthew Sroen.
>> I'm gonna state your name for the record.
>> State my name.
>> State your name. I'll speak.
>> Carlos Rodan.
>> Briefly, Mr. Raldon's 39 years old. His last conviction arise out of conduct that occurred over a decade ago.
Although the most serious convictions on his record rise out of conduct that occurred approximately 20 to 25 years ago when he was a teenager and a very young man. Um over time he changed his mindset and his priorities. He's opened businesses, a barber shop, a food cart, recently became a partner in a new restaurant. Um he's changed it tremendously since the time um when he was incarcerated as a teenager, and a pardon now is going to allow him to continue to pursue new business opportunities, potentially become a corrections officer, and finally put that chapter of his life behind him. I think given his age at the time of the most serious offenses, his transformation over the last 20 to 25 years, he's an excellent candidate. turn things over to Mike Per the board with any questions.
>> You want to give a statement?
>> Um, I would just like to thank you giving me the opportunity right now.
>> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Raldan. All right.
So, Mr. Rodriguez, do you have any questions for Mr. Raldan?
>> Um, just give me a second, Madam Chair.
I mean I I mean obviously I did have some concerns about the um possession of a weapons charge. Uh it was a taser.
>> Yeah, it was a taser.
>> Yeah. And so why did you have the taser with you?
>> Oh, I left it in my car. I don't know for what reason. I was just out of there.
>> Just carried Just carried a taser just to kind of carry Just >> Yeah, I totally forgot about it in the car.
Um yeah, I mean you're right. The most serious charges were were over 20 years ago and this is 10 years ago. Uh it seems as if you're really working hard at trying to be an entrepreneur and be a businessman.
>> Uh what's what's your future in terms of what is your real future to be a corrections officer even though you got all these businesses going on?
not a cor like to help kids out like a correction officer for kids like the detention center because I have my my oldest son he's 18 but he >> like >> going through the stages of what I was going through and into trouble and all that stuff. So >> I hope you're sharing your experiences with him so so you learn so you can learn from them.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Uh have you done any additional community kind of work where you've been giving giving back to the community? Um through my barber shop, we used to um like uh beginning of school, we give out book bags, free haircuts. And then Thanksgiving, we give out free uh food and free haircuts also, but not like churches and all that stuff.
>> Yeah. Um I mean, you've had, you know, quite a few incarcerations. You you um looks like you didn't do well in one of your couple of your dockets on probation. you did do well.
Um, I mean, I I can see the kind of the good that you're doing and stuff, but um, I do have a few concerns. I want to hear what my colleagues have to say.
>> But, uh, listen, thank you for for for answering my questions this morning.
>> Perfect.
>> So, Mr. Mr. Raldian, I have a a note that, you know, you've maintained sobriety now since 2016.
What's brought you to that place and how do you do that?
Um well 2016 um I got arrested and at the time my girlfriend was pregnant with my daughter.
>> Mhm.
>> And past that I was just drinking and doing all type of stuff. And the three years that I was doing missed out on my daughter and other kids, my two other um sons. So I'm like what the hell is the point? I'm getting older. There's no point like start drinking and you only be excited or whatever for that point and then get into trouble is no I don't think it's worth it anymore.
>> Sounds like your priorities started to change. you know, you started to value what's important in your life and what you're willing to to give up for either, you know, the the criminal activity you were involved in and drinking and drugging, which kind of all rolls into the same.
>> Yeah. Okay. Miss Champs. Yeah. Um, so Mr. Roland, I I read where uh you previously had a problem with alcohol, but that you hadn't drank since your DOC discharge, which was in 2019.
>> Yeah, I came home 2019.
>> Right. So, how how are you staying sober?
um actually through cutting hair, uh working maintaining a restaurant which is no experience and is hard and uh but it's worth it. Um being with my daughter and the kids.
>> Um and you now have a a sandwich shop in addition to a barber shop.
>> Yeah. Um the lo it's called Losawas is a shaved ice based out of Puerto Rico. My heritage and then I just got a new restaurant in downtown which is a Mexican restaurant.
>> Oh that's your restaurant. Okay.
>> I I I know that I know that Mexican restaurant.
Um, but I do appreciate you, um, you know, cutting the kids here when they're going back to school. I think that's a big help for the parents and for the kids. So, I look at that as pretty good community service work that you're doing.
and uh you know one of the victims who you have children with sent in a letter of support and I wanted you to know that.
>> Okay.
>> Okay. And yes, you seem to have been doing well and I do know that um we probably have some victim input, but from my standpoint um I I would be in support of a pardon for you today.
>> Appreciate it.
>> Okay, I'm all set. Madame Chair, >> thank you, Miss Chance. We do have in victim input today. Miss Vasquez.
>> Good morning, Madame Chair and board members. We do have a victim who has logged on to the Zoom hearing and wishes to address the board. This is your opportunity to express to the board your wishes and concerns. Please unmute your microphone and if you wish to do so, you may turn your camera on and may begin.
>> Hi. Um, I'm the victim in one of Carlos's cases. I'm also the mother of his oldest son. I want to start by saying that Carlos has changed his life in many ways.
Um, also that the charges that were he was charged against me, they're not true. Um, I tried to say that in court that day, but I will stick to that. Um, he never even yelled at me. Um, in the years that we were in a relationship, I have seen him truly trying to start a beautiful life for him and his kids. I have seen, sorry, I'm going to get emotional. I've seen this man work so hard to get where he's at. Um I know that he comes with his record, it comes with a lot of hardship for him. Um I just think that um if he gets this granted for him that he will do so much better in life. Um and he will go so much farther. Um, I believe that Carlos deserves a second chance.
Um, we have a son together. Um, he's 18.
He is not making the best decisions, but I can tell him to look at his dad and that, >> you know, you can better your life because, you know, his father is trying so hard.
>> I just really hope that Carlos can get what he deserves in life. And I just hope that he doesn't have to work so hard. Um, even if something comes in his way because of his record, Carlos still fights and he just pushes through it.
He's never given up. And from the man that I knew 20 years ago to the man I know now, he has changed and I just hope that you guys give him the second chance and I'm very proud of him.
But that's all I got to say. So, thank you. Thank you.
>> You're welcome.
>> Thank you very much.
Thank you, Miss Vasquez. All right. So, in the matter of Carlos Rald Dunn, I make a motion to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez, >> I, >> Miss Chance, >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted.
>> I just want to know how I want to know how he keeps that beard so well trimmed.
That huge beard he has. How does he keep it so trim?
barber.
>> That's a good That's a good looking beard.
>> Get the barber. Duh.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Stephen Donald Sheik represented by attorney Matthew Sroen.
>> Attorney Sroen, Mr. Sheik, present. Um, Mr. Thanks. Just sit down and state your name for the record.
>> Good morning, Steven Sheic.
>> Briefly, my client's 40 years old. His last conviction arises out of conduct that occurred over 18 years ago. He's also been sober now for over a decade.
His life has changed substantially during the time that has passed. Um, as I'm sure you saw from his application, he had a significant health problem which made him re-evaluate his lifestyle and his choices. Um, he's engaged in inpatient treatment. Um, he's very active in NA. Um, he stays very engaged in the recovery community. He attends two to three meetings every week. He sponsors two individuals who are also sponsors. Collectively they have a sponsor family which has approximately 30 people in which they consistently engage in activities together. Something he's very passionate and very proud of.
Um on top of that he's taken significant steps to further his education and better his life. He's earned a degree in chemical engineering. He's been he's a journeyman electrician. He's taken over the family electrical business. A pardon now is going to allow him to continue to grow his business and also pursue new opportunities in his field putting his degree to work. I think he's really an excellent candidate. He's lived the recovery lifestyle, given back to the recovery community, and taken real concrete steps to increasing his education, obtaining degrees, and and growing his business. Um, I think he's an excellent candidate. I'll turn things over to my client, the board with any questions.
>> Uh, good morning. May I >> Good morning.
>> Yeah, you can.
>> Okay. Good morning and thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
I want to excuse me. I want to start by taking full responsibility for my past and the impact of my actions.
I understand the harm my actions co caused to my family, my community, and myself. I reached a point where I knew I had to make a change.
And getting clean changed my life. I've been clean since September 30th, 2015.
And recovery is the foundation of everything I have today.
Through Narcotics Anonymous, I've learned how to live differently. I stay accountable and I take responsibility for my actions.
I have a sponsor and I sponsor four men and I'm part of a strong recovery network that holds me accountable and keeps me living the right way. In July of 20 thou 2015, I went through a serious medical issue that forced me to take a hard look at my life.
From that point on, I started making real changes. I got clean and overtime I continued moving forward by going back to school and earning a degree in chemical engineering because I wanted to be part of meaningful work that could help people and contribute in a positive way. Right now, I'm working in my family's electrical business and continuing to build my experience. But my record still limits my ability to move into larger opportunities in certain industries that require background checks, including the field I went to school for.
I'm a father and being present for both of my daughters has been one of the greatest gifts recovery has given to me.
I take pride in creating stability and setting an example through my actions.
Recovery has allowed me to show up in my life in a way I never did before.
I'm not asking for my past to be erased.
I don't forget the impact my actions had on my family and my community. And that's what drives how I live.
I'm asking for the opportunity to keep moving forward based on who I am today.
Excuse me. A pardon would allow me to keep building a life rooted in accountability, consistency, and the values I live by every single day. Thank you very much for your time.
>> Thank you, Mr. Shik. All right, Miss Chance, do you have any questions or comments?
>> Yeah, first I want to tell attorney Sroken that he stole my thunder.
I apologize >> because everything that you said is what I had written down in my notes. But I would like to add um two things that I know for um community service that you donate your electrical services to local churches and Lions Club.
>> Yes, ma'am. So, I appreciate that and I truly um liked your presentation today with what you said about what recovery has done for you in your life and your attorney who really spoke about all the other great things that you did. So, I just want to wish you the best of luck going forward.
>> Thank you.
>> Okay.
>> Thank you, Miss Chance. Mr. Rodriguez, >> I have no questions, Madam Chair.
>> Okay. All right. Uh I agree with everything that attorney Sroken has already mentioned. Um and Miss Chance review the file certainly um presents as a person who has made some significant positive changes to his life and he's giving back to his community in as a result of that. So in the matter of Don Steven Donald Shriek I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez >> I.
>> Miss Chance >> I. and the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Good luck to you, Mr. Shre.
>> Madam chair, can I have a second?
>> Sure. We'll take a quick five minute break.
>> So, we'll come back at 12:40 because it's 12:35.
>> Okay.
>> I think so.
>> Yes. 12:40.
There we go.
Just wait for Pearl Officer Sprag.
>> I'm here. Ready to go.
>> Excellent. Okay, >> we're at >> So, we're at uh Eric Stall is up on the docket represented by attorney Matthew >> Sroen.
>> And briefly, I believe this is my last matter. Uh Mr. Stall is 49 years old.
His last conviction arise out of conduct that occurred over 15 years ago. His most serious happened sometime before that. Um as a young man he processed trauma and grief um that he suffered as a teen and young man poorly and it led him to making some decisions that he now as an adult deeply deeply regrets. For him his transformation began in 2012 when he became a single father and realized that he had to be present and responsible for his daughter. Um with that responsibility he made necessary changes in his life to make better decisions in the future. Importantly he began engaging in therapy so he could process that trauma and grief and make better decisions. and he took the lessons that he learned in that therapy and applied them to his daily life in addition to lessons that he learned in anger management and parenting classes that he participated in. As a result of those changes and those tools that he gained and the application of those tools, he's not been in any trouble since that time. Uh he's also taken over the family pest control business and been able to provide a stable life for his daughter. A pardon now is going to allow him to continue to expand that business and obtain closure for that period of his life when he made those decisions that he regrets so much. I think given his transformation, he's an excellent candidate. I'll turn things over to my client questions.
You can read it. Good morning. My name is Eric Stall and I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here today. I take full responsibility of my past actions and the impact that had on the victims and their families.
After a few years of being incarcerated, I knew I had to make a change. Since then, my life has been defined by responsibility and stability.
Um, for the past 13 years, I've been a single parent to my daughter, committing committed to provide a safe and supportive environment for her. Most more recently after the unfortunate passing of my father, I stepped in to take over his pest control business of 25 years. I started working with my dad 20 years ago. That responsibility has uh required discipline and accountability.
I worked hard to build and demonstrate every day on a daily basis. I I'm proud of uh the life that I created, but my past continues to limit opportunities for my family and and my business. I am respectfully asking for a part so I continue to carry on my father's legacy and contribute and provide more positivity to my community. Thanks consideration.
>> Thank you, Mr. Stall. All right, so we're going to ask you we have some questions to ask you today. So you have a a number of cases um involving assault assault one domestic violence and I read and was mentioned that you've taken domestic violence and anger management.
>> I have. Yes ma'am.
>> Okay. It looks like it was some time ago. Your last conviction was in 2012.
You've been off probation uh for 14 years as well. Can you talk about those two programs and and what you have taken from either one of them that has helped you move forward?
>> Sure. Mainly it was uh red flags, seeing red flags and and triggers like as far as arguing. I don't I I prefer not to argue. I like to talk more community about things. Uh and most importantly not drinking the drinking have if a couple drinks and in an argument it turns into something that it shouldn't be and uh that has helped me not you know handle things differently.
>> Okay. So are you reporting soiety?
>> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> Yes. Especially since my daughter, she plays hockey and I'm driving her to practices and stuff and I realized one day, you know, one or two beers and you drive home and get pulled over, it's not that's not worth my life as well.
>> Do do you see alcohol? Is it alcohol and drugs or just alcohol? Because on your application um you write that you have nothing to report. There was nothing in that section. So, do you see those two or alcohol and or drugs as part of the problems that you had early on with these convictions?
>> Definitely. Yes.
>> Okay. And you and what I am I hearing that you know alcohol as it played a role in making you um angry?
>> Yes.
>> Lash out.
>> Yes. Angrier. Yeah. I noticed that it enhances either have either happiness or anger and most of the time it would be the anger.
>> Okay. And you have a number of victims in your cases. Do you have any contact with the victims at all?
>> Um, no, only my oldest daughter, Dominique.
>> Okay.
All right. Um, there is a protective order in place. You're aware of that?
>> I was not. I thought that that was uh I I didn't know. Is it a lifetime?
>> 2000.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. 2099 is is the date that we have.
>> So, it would it would be a lifetime one.
>> All right. And you know, you've been off probation.
>> And so, how do you give back to your community? What what is it that you do?
Uh well, doing what I do, pest control, I I uh you know, I like I like to help people that can't do the things to help themselves.
They call me with a problem, which is a multiple like a lot different problems.
Um I like to be able to solve it for them. It feels good. So, and then I help in my daughter's hockey league. I I've coached a couple of her teams. Um, but as far as, you know, anything else, I I just I I work so much and then got to get my daughter to hockey practice and softball practice or wherever else she has to go and >> Okay. Sounds like you're committed to your to your children and you're very involved.
>> All right. You have um a long-term um employment. You've now taken over the business. All right. Miss Chance, do you have any follow-up questions?
>> Um, no. You know, I think Mr. Stalin, the kind of business that he has, will find himself sooner or later providing some type of community service to help someone out.
>> So, I have no doubt based on uh what he and his attorney presented today that, you know, that will come over a period of time. for him being a single father um is a priority for him and you know hopefully he will start giving back to his community.
>> Thank you.
>> So that's all.
>> All right. And Mr. Rodriguez, >> I don't have any questions. I'm sure you asked questions.
>> Right. We do have input today from the office of victim services. So Miss Vasquez, >> good morning board. Well, good afternoon board members and madam chair. I had the opportunity of speaking with one of the victims of this case and she has asked me to read this statement on her behalf.
Good morning board members.
The purpose of this letter is to bring the board of pardons and parole attention certain domestic violence and behavioral issues that argue against granting a pardon to Mr. Eric Stall for his breach of peace that occurred on or about April 13, 2011.
There have been many incidents where I'm directed as a victim of Mr. Saul's anger temperament.
The first breach of peace happened due to a bystander calling the police. In hindsight, my guardian angel. Mr. skull was yelling at me about something while drunk driving to where he pulled over into the Hoy s Hoy street cemetery in Darren Connecticut got out and violently ripped my jacket off of me as I tried to run away once I could escape I fled on foot and hopped into a taxi Sanford and Darren police showed up to the scene and then called the taxi company to return me to the cemetery unfortunately I am one of many victims of Mr. Stalls in the court system and one more than one occasion. I sinfully admit yet not only am I a survivor, I am also the mother of his searched third child.
Somehow I think that matters less to him than me being his victim. Such issues include a subsequent arrest for strangulation which occurred on or about April 14th, 2016 which resulted in me blacking out while I was while I was home with our daughter for the night.
Upon mercy and grace I like to thank and not coercion or manipulation.
I once again told the courts I did not want it to be difficult for us to co-parent. also taking him taking him off child support so we could both support our child. She is my one and only. I want her to have the best life when she is visiting both parents separately. Today it seems like she's the baby in the Bible and I am just heartbroken.
My job as her mother after birthing her was to teach our daughter how to walk, get her off the pacifier and potty train her so she could attend prek. As much as Mr. still loves to discredit my motherhood. I did that. Then it was my turn to start a career for her to be proud of. I thought I chose a good father for my child since she was planned and he had two kids already. We also got married. I thought we did it the right way even though it was forced.
I am in disbelief at the treatment from Mr. Stalt to this day. in a sneaky and un underhanded child custody legal maneuver which occurred while I was attending a jointly approved out of state mutations program after after being a stay-at-home mom from pregnancy till 3 years old.
We have had shared custody of our 13-year-old daughter since our divorce.
Yet somehow while I was in the school, Mr. Stall used that time to have me served to remove my residential since I did not have a Connecticut address. Mr. Stall has an extensive wrap sheet, so he knows the law inside and out literally.
He uses our child as a shield. On numerous occasions, he has spat on me while pregnant, threatened me, and and berated me, most often while holding our baby girl. Now at 13 years old, he says it to her. Mr. Stall does not show the desire to make amends with myself or the respect to encourage our motherdaughter bond that he loves to neglect. Mr. Stall behavior has not changed since the event under consideration. He has shown no remorse for his actions and has poisoned our daughter against me. I fear now that my daughter is going through puberty and that his temper could result in psychological harm.
Mr. Stall does not engage in sharing important information about our daughter's education and her health. I also fear she is being bullied or is the bully at school due to lack of maternal love. He is trying to dismiss his actions. So I am forever grateful for the victim's advocate to have my voice heard since in family court his actions are overlooked.
Mr. Stall does not care about the impact he and his actions have caused. Just because time has passed by should not grant a pardon.
Rehabilitation should be sought.
Personal therapy, parenting classes, and most importantly, mandatory family therapy as soon as possible. If he keeps having this state of denial and tries to justify his actions, that just blocks self-awareness. And I am saddened to see how that will impact our daughter's self-esteem and her relationship with others.
I have been through hell because of Mr. Stall's manipulative and violent behavior. He has manipulated me using fear of retaliation, my emotional attachment to him at the time, and financial dependence. The impact of his actions has been long lasting and ongoing, the emotional distress, defamation, and exclusion.
I have post-traumatic stress disorder as a direct impact of Mr. Stall.
I live in fear that he is going to attack me again in some way or another, especially if the child custody and visitation rights hearing, which comes up on May 20th, does not go his way. Mr. Stall is an ex-convict with an extensive list of criminal violations, including a six-year incarceration for vehicle homicide and numerous drug offenses and breaking an entry on on all public records.
Thank you for the considerate pardon me.
Thank you for considering these issues and at the very least I hope the pardon under consideration will be delayed under miss until Mr. Stall can prove to the court and I genuine change in behavior. Very truly yours AV. Thank you board members is all that I have for this case.
>> Thank you Miss Vasquez and thank you to the victim for taking the time to provide that statement. All right. So board members, we will discuss this. Um, you know, I listened to the victim's statement. The victim is clearly um listed on one of the applica, one of the arrests here. Um, we do not have, she referred to another arrest. I was just back looking through his file. I don't see anything.
>> I was going to mention that because I don't have it either. The strangulation in April of 216. I I don't have it either. So, >> we can only go by what we have in front of us, >> right?
>> Um, you know, this is not the victim with the protective order either. Uh, although I do understand and I'll try to understand victim's concerns and that there's a shared child involved. Um, looking at the reasons for pardon today, you know, Mr. Stall's convictions do go back 14 years ago. Um he has uh nothing that we have on record in between. He has um completed an anger management program, a domestic violence program. He is engaged in employment.
Their their file shows engagement as a family person and his employment.
I would be wi I am in favor of granting Mr. Stall's application today based on our my review of the file we have and the application. Mr. Rodriguez, Miss Chance.
>> Well, I know for me, Madam Chair, I mean, this absolutely the files do not indicate that that arrest that's not there and what we have is what we have to go with. Um, but I have to say that I found the uh testimony of the victim very compelling.
um it was not, you know, it was well put together and um very descriptive of what they felt their fear was in this >> situation. So um >> I'm kind of on the fence with this. I'll be quite honest with you. That's not to >> I don't interrupt your deliberation.
There is something I would like to bring to the board's attention at the appropriate time um with respect to but I don't want to interrupt um board member Rodriguez and sorry if I just >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> I'll refer back to you, Mr. Siroken, before we we make a motion.
>> I I want to hear what my other colleague has to say at this point.
So, um you know, I I listened um to the victim and I understand she um spoke about that offense from 15 years ago because she said it was um April of 2011.
So, that would have been about 15 years ago. Mhm.
>> Um, and the things that she was asking for Mr. Stall to do, I read where he took parenting program, he participated in therapy, he attended domestic violence and anger management. And so I'm not sure um if she had all that information because I found it odd that she was recommending that she completed >> Mhm.
>> those programs.
Um and I did not have that April 2016 charge. Um based on what I've read about Mr. stall. He um although he had two unsatisfactory um probation, uh he did um say what he that he completed the you know probation and the appropriate programs and is a father and doing the best that he can that he participated in therapy.
He expressed how alcohol used to make him angry. So he's been sober since and so based on what was presented, Madame Chair, I would be in favor of the pardon also today.
>> Thank you, Miss Chance. All right, M.
>> You know, one one of one of the major concerns that I had as it relates to the alcohol introduction and all of this is that he reported No, he didn't report anything on that >> when he was asked. So if there if it was such a if it was such an important piece of his contributing factor to his behavior, why wasn't it mentioned to him at that point?
>> You know, it's a that's a significant development for me.
>> Okay.
>> He would share in his testimony now that in fact the contributing factor was his alcohol. Now I don't see any NA work, any work on addiction, any work on any of that, you know. So, I'm I I share that that concern. Now, now maybe it was a something he just I don't know when he was asked about it. I I don't know. I don't know why he said nothing to report if in fact it was a contributing factor.
And and I'm struggling with that with that particular piece of it. And I and I hear what both of you have said and and I heard what he has said. He's taking up a business. He seems to be working hard.
He seems to be trying to do the right thing. All of those really good things.
But there's some elements of this that for me he's left out and I'm not sure I'm not sure I and I got victim testimony that you know has some real concerns in it. I you know I'm struggling with this right now to be honest with you.
>> Okay.
>> But I I would like to hear I would like to hear attorney Sroen. He said he had something to say and I would >> Thank you. I I do have a Is it okay if I um speak next?
>> Yes, attorney. So ju just two things um to provide some context for the victim's statement without getting into her statement at all or questioning what she's saying. This is I think these things have been adjudicated in the family court. This is the victim that um is the mother of the child that my client has full custody of. My client has indicated that she paid some child support and that court ordered child support and that um she hasn't seen the child in 3 years. So I think that does maybe provide some context for some of these things that she raised. I I'm I would assume they would have been raised in the family court and the family court has issued orders presumably after hearings um you know in Mr. Stall's favor. Not to say that she's not telling the truth or question what she saying >> how she feels.
>> That's right. And what happened back in 2012 2011 but these things presumably would have been raised and the family court has ordered in Mr. Sauls uh in strongly in his favor with respect to that. So, I I wanted to raise that context. And with respect to board member Rodriguez, I I I understand the concerns that you've raised um with respect to the alcohol. I I would note that he mentioned his alcohol use in response to the question about what he learned in those parenting and anger management classes. And I think sometimes it's difficult. Some some people rightly or wrongly make the distinction between alcohol abuse, which is how it's phrased in the um in the application versus whether it is a contributing factor to those things. I think that's probably why we answered no in his mind. It wasn't an abuse issue. I know it says, "Have you ever struggled with um alcohol or drug abuse on the application?" That's a black or white box to check off as no, but I I do give uh my client credit for identifying it as a trigger, and I think that's how he raised it to the board today. But I think the stronger of those two things that I wanted to raise really was that um these things would have been adjudicated in the family court. And and that's all I have to add.
>> I I just want to add something else. Um you know, in in um Mr. Stall's statement, you know, he he talked about the changes that he made. He said they were intentional and permanent. He stopped smoking. He stopped drinking. He changed the people he associated with.
He removed himself from negative environment uh where he was making poor decision and he began to engage in therapy. As part of participating in the DV and the anger management, he did identify that he discovered that when um he drinks, he became angry.
So, um, for me, you know, that was identifying, um, a a situation, a problem he had and what he did to take care of it.
So, um, you know, for me, as I said, based on all the information that I read here, uh, I would be in support of his, um, pardon today. And I do hope that, you know, I did hear the victim. I honestly did. Um but I I hope that you know um she will try to move on and look at positive aspects in her life and try to see how she can better co-parent with Mr. Stall who I guess now um has um both their daughter living with him.
Thank you, Miss Chance, for that um additional information and from attorney Siroken. Mr. Rodriguez, I we hear your concerns. Um all right, I will make a motion in with regard to Eric Stall. I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Miss Chance >> I.
>> Mr. Rodriguez, >> nay.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted by majority decision. Thank you very much. We'll see you next time.
Thank you.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Johnny Williams. Please state your name for the record.
>> Um, Johnny Williams.
>> If you have a brief statement, you may provide it at this time or inform the board that you'd like to move forward with questioning.
>> Yes, I have a brief statement. Um, I first like to thank my God for this opportunity to sit before you and I would like to say good good afternoon to each of you. Really nervous right now, but um, one of the things that I wanted to do, I wanted to write a book about my life. But what I did is went to the heart of where I came since my my crime.
You know, I I sincerely apologize to the victims from the beginning, from the outset of my crime and what I did and the mindset that I had. You know, I I can sit here and discuss my drug use, which played a major major part, but along with my drug use, I had an opportunity to make decisions and those decisions I didn't make properly. So what I did is I acted out on bad behavior, situations that I can blame my parents for the environment that I grew up in. I can blame, you know, things that I've seen in my life, but I have to take responsibility then and I have to take responsibility now. Over the years, I got into NA and I've been clean since day one of my incarceration, which is 29 years. I started in prison with the AA and NA programs. I end up getting to tier programs. I also did threshold. I went back to school and got my GED. One of the things that always stick out to me is when I was applying for my GED, there was a teacher and I think he was my motivator in my time incarcerated. He said to me, he said, "I can only fail in life if I don't put my foot forward to go and achieve things in my life." And him saying that gave me the opportunity to get my GED. I passed my GED in honors. Um I also went back to school in prison to get my associates degree which at that time they they stopped programming the um the college courses when I was there at one time. They stopped they stopped it. And but what I did when I came home, I continued my my education and I went and got my associates in drug and alcohol counseling and which for me was a big part of my life because that's who I became. I became I became someone that wanted to give back to society. I started an outreach program in Waterberry, Connecticut. And what we did, we mentored substance abuse users, um, homelessness, um, individuals that wanted to go back to school. We mentored them. And while I was incarcerated, also, one of the things that I did, I was a tutor because at that time when I went to prison, I didn't really have an education. So, I did get my GED and I wanted to give back to inmates that didn't have that opportunity. So I went back to um I went back and became a tutor and when I was released from pro the prison system I went into a halfway house and in that time of being in a halfway house I started my NA programs being in um you know what they call the world but in my day-to-day life I started my NA program. I became a sponsy a sponsor helping other individuals that went through what I went through to cause me to be where I was at at that time in 1995 to cause the crime that I caused.
>> And since then I I'm a grandfather. I'm a father to my son which was six when I went to prison. And when I came home he was 18. So I had to develop a relationship with him which I have a great one today. Um I'm not a I'm not a taker anymore. I used to just take take take. I'm a giver. And what I do now is I don't look for things that I can achieve physically. I look for things that I can achieve within myself like better a better manners, better respect for people, things in that sort. And and so far so good. I've been doing really well at that. And I thank you once again for this opportunity.
>> Thank you very much, Mr. Williams. That was an excellent opening statement.
really appreciate. We read a lot of what well I should say we read most of what you said but you did provide a lot of a little extra detail with respect to how you've lived your life. Um so let let me see if my colleagues have some questions for you some follow-ups. Mr. Rodriguez.
>> Thank you Madam Chair. Mr. William, thank you very much for your uh for your opening statement. You did you answered a lot of my questions already. It's been uh 26 years. You've been off uh probation 14 years and off the community supervision for 19 years. I mean you you know it seems to me that you really you know worked hard at trying to put your life back together. You've taken lots of programming which I think is really very important and very significant. Um you know your charges were you know very serious charges.
>> Yes sir.
>> They really were. They did they left they left several victims.
>> Yes sir.
that have been probably very impacted by this, you know. So, um, but the reality is, I mean, you you seem to have worked very hard at trying to pull your life together. I can't, you know, >> there's not a whole lot more to say. I hope that you continue that. I hope that you continue to use your experience to share with other younger people who, you know, can avoid having to get have those pitfalls.
>> Yes, sir.
>> I don't really have any other questions for you, Mr. Williams.
>> Thank Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez. Miss Chance, >> I have no questions, Madam Chair.
>> And we do have input from the Office of Victim Services today. Uh, Miss Vasquez.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Good afternoon, Madam Chair. And board members had the opportunity of speaking with one of the victims, and she wishes for me to say this on her behalf.
Wow. Talk about going back memory lane.
It was 1995.
A lot has happened since then.
I'm in a place in life right now that I am okay to say that I am in favor. This is all that I have, Madam Chair. Thank you.
>> Very gracious of the victim.
>> Yeah. Giving grace.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. So, in the matter of Johnny Williams, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez >> I, >> Miss Chance, >> I and the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Congratulations, Mr. Williams.
Continue to do good work in the community.
>> Good luck to you, sir.
>> Thank you.
>> Next on the docket, we have Mr. Robert Lance Barnum.
>> Good afternoon.
>> Please state your name for the record.
>> Robert Barnham. If you have a brief statement, you pro may provide that at this time.
>> Uh I just want to say thank you for the opportunity. Um one thing I can say is uh I learned to think before I react. My biggest uh thing I have and um I stay as active as I possibly can with helping out the community. Like um last winter I was able to get over 100 coats for uh kids in the brutal winter. So keep at it.
Okay. Thank you, Mr. Barnum. For the record, today we have um a letter from the state's attorney's office objecting to Mr. Barnum receiving a pardon.
Um and with that, we will move on. Um Miss Chance.
>> So, Mr. Madam, you know, I I read your applications and two things stood out.
Uh I was concerned about your anger and management of your emotions and wanted to know if you completed anger management and domestic violence.
>> Yes, I did both of them.
>> Can you tell me when?
Uh I don't know the exact dates but I know they were around when uh the arrest happened.
>> Which one?
>> Uh the anger management and domestic violence were for the same one involving Caitlyn de Majid I believe.
>> Okay. And can you tell me um you know what skills or what you learned from those two programs?
>> Uh so for me the biggest thing is uh thinking before I react too quickly and uh taking a taking time to to breathe because I used to just react very quickly. I have um I'm an ex-marine and was taught to react my whole life and uh now I know right way to act is just hey >> okay um so I I know way back um in the 2007 you had um problem with prescription pills. Are you all set with that now?
>> Yes, I've been clean for I believe 5 years now.
>> 5 years, >> I think. So, yeah.
>> Okay. How do you stay How do you prevent yourself from going back to using >> So, I I was addicted to the pills because I was in a bad accident and I broke my back. Um, and I've always been an athletic person, so I kept taking them because I wanted to go to the gym and work out and all that stuff.
um it became a problem and I recognized it because uh you know it's just not good to take pills or alcohol period. So I signed up for detox for myself, went in there, complete the program and then uh I honestly I haven't thought about it since. Um >> do you remember about when I know you've been sober for five years?
>> Uh I checked myself into Silver Hills Hospital. Um, so probably 2022 I went >> Okay.
>> So, yeah, it's been a, you know, uh, almost five years.
So, what do you do when you get thoughts, you know, about getting a few pills? So for me it wasn't really um it was more for the pain thing and being being able to push through everything. Um so uh I I go to therapy now for my back. I get injections every six months and stuff like that just so I can function. I I have a very active business. I'm a roofer. So >> Okay. So um because you're no longer taking the pills, you you go to therapy.
>> Yeah. I get I get like these cortisol injections in my lower back every few months and then um I got to do like exercises and stuff.
>> And how is that working for you?
>> Very good.
>> And how long will that have to go on?
>> Um probably as long as I'm still a roofer because I got to carry a lot of heavy stuff up and down ladders.
What what happens if one of those days and I hear you about um you know um getting um the shots, but what happens if one day you just sort of get fed up and you you have this urge to just go get some pills? What do you do at that point?
Um well I don't think it'll happen again because um I have custody of a little girl now with my wife and uh I have to be a role model. It's also why I'm doing this parting process. Um I haven't had an urge. I don't think I'll get an urge.
And as far as to be able to prevent that, um I always talk to my wife and I have very good friends that I can uh talk to about that if I ever have that feeling.
cuz you know these charges were kind of serious.
>> Yes.
>> But I you know I first have to you know thank you for your service in the Marine Corps.
>> You're welcome.
>> And um I'm glad that you were able to seek therapy to assist you with this.
So I'm all set, Madame Chair.
>> Thank you. So M Mr. Barnum, do you have any contact with the victim in this in that 2014 case?
>> No, I haven't seen her since then.
>> Okay. And the domestic violence, I'm assuming, was done at that time. And the anger management was at the same time or was there in different >> Yeah, I think they I think they put them both together in the same case.
>> Yeah, because um you know, not the most recent conviction, which is concerning.
Um but going back to that situation in the parking lot um with the car accident and you showing up and >> yeah, >> you know being as you put it impulsive and angry. Um there does seem to be from going back through your application there does seem to be some um understanding of needing to manage your impulsivity and your anger.
>> Absolutely. Yeah. Yep. And um can you give us a couple of steps that you use to manage your your anger when you're upset?
>> Um the the number one thing is just not reacting when uh somebody says that I don't want to hear.
That's the that's the biggest thing for me. Um >> and how do you do that? How do you tell yourself I'm not going to reply?
>> It sounds silly, but I I honestly count to 10 in my head before I say anything.
I mean and and then uh I I learned that oh it's not worth it after cleanses I start to think about everything once I do that.
>> Okay. Okay. Um All right. And um that's all I have. Mr. Rodriguez.
>> Um I don't have any questions, Madam Chair.
>> Okay. All right. We mentioned that we have the letter from the state's attorney's office. Um Miss Chance, what are your thoughts?
So you know the states attorney letter she was concerned about the domestic violence crime but I'm listening to Mr. Barnum today. He did complete in that and he actually you know gave two examples because you know when when you asked him when I expressed to him my concern about his anger and management of his emotions, he explained to me um you know that he sort of one of the things that he learned was really thinking before he reacts. because that's something that he never did before.
And um I believe that based on the fact that, you know, he was in the Marine.
So, I'm glad that he did um go and get counseling.
Uh he's been sober for 5 years. She went into the Silver Hills Hospital in 2022 and he now goes to therapy where he gets um injections and and my concern also had to do because of the nature of the work that he does. But from what I'm hearing from him that that is under control and the injections are working.
>> Okay. So, I would be in favor when I'm here.
>> All right. All right. Absent objection from Mr. Rodriguez. I'm going to make a motion. So, with regard to Robert Lance Barnum, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez >> I.
>> Miss Chance >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Good luck to you, Mr. Barnum.
>> Thank you.
>> Good luck, sir.
>> Thank you for your time.
Next on the docket, we have Mr. Junius Luis Gomez.
Please state your name for the record.
>> Uh, Junius Gomez.
>> Thank you. If you have a brief statement, you may provide it at this time or inform the board that you would like to move forward with questioning. I see that you guys are big on like giving back to the community and like the past uh like five or five or six years I've been for like eight months of the year every year I dedicate like five hours of my Sundays to a New Britain basketball league and I help with out the help out with the concession stands and like running the scoreboard and the stats of the players and stuff.
>> Okay.
All right. And um you've done that for the last 5 years, you said?
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. All right, Mr. Gomez. Thank you.
So, how old are you?
>> I'm 28 now.
>> You're 28. And when you were shooting this paintball gun, how old were you?
>> I was 20 years old.
>> 20. All right. That makes a little bit of sense that Do you you I'm going to guess you appreciate how reckless that is.
>> Yes, I I understand that.
>> Okay. And when you were um on probation, did they have you do any programming?
>> I did go to Wheeler Clinic.
>> Um and I had I think I had like six or six to eight like sessions of uh decision- making and like growing since I was so young and like teaching me like for the future and how to prepare myself >> for the future.
>> Okay. you you were fairly young when these occurred, including the the interfering charge.
>> Uh and you're working now as a truck driver. Seems to have turned a corner.
Um I appreciated all the letters that we got in support of your application today. I noted, you know, they talked about your volunteering work with the community, with the youth programs, and that you're calm, you're a good communicator, very respectful. I think that's so important when you're working with the youth.
to provide an example of how to how to live in the community and be um you know thought of as as a contributor rather than a problem.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Okay. Um Mr. Rodriguez, any questions for Mr. Gomez?
>> Um no, Madam Chair.
>> Okay, Miss Chance.
>> Yeah. you know that that letter um as you said Madame Chair from the CEO of the New Britain >> Legacy Programs that was a pretty good letter >> very good letter >> attesting to Mr. Gomez um participation in what he has done to give back to the community. And I do agree with you that he was um very young um when he committed these but seems to have um turned everything around in a very short period of time.
I just want to ask him one question. Mr. Gomez. So, who played a role in you turning your life around so quickly?
>> I think it was just me, my daughter. I have a soon to be three three-year-old daughter.
>> I just have to make better decisions and set a good example for her.
>> Okay.
All right. Well, you seem to be on the right track and I appreciate all the volunteer work that you're doing to give back in the community and it shows some remorse for, you know, the offenses that you committed.
>> Yeah.
>> So, good luck.
>> Thank you. So, in the matter of Junice Lewis Gomez, I move to grant full and absolute pardon. Miss Chance >> I, >> Mr. Rodriguez, >> I, >> and the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Congratulations, Mr. Gomez.
>> Thank you, guys. You guys have a nice rest of your day.
>> Thank you.
>> Next on the docket, we have Miss Ronicia Nicole Gray. Please state your name for the record.
I know she's there. We saw her. She just You just need to unmute.
>> There she is. Yeah. Unmute.
>> Yeah, she's trying. It looks like.
>> Yeah. Got big nails.
>> Hi. Can you hear me?
>> We can. Excellent.
>> Have long nails.
>> Yes.
>> Absolutely.
>> Could you please state your name for the record?
>> Ranisha Nicole Gray.
>> Thank you. If you have a brief statement, you may provide it at this time. otherwise inform the board that you're ready to move forward with questioning.
>> Yes, I would like the time to thank you board members for the opportunity.
Um, I take full responsibility for my past. Between 2008 and 2021, I made repeated choices to steal and I cause real harm. There are no excuses for that. At the time, I was dealing with financial instabilities and poor judgment. But instead of holding handling those challenges the right way, I chose the wrong path.
My last offense was in June 2021, and that was the moment I made a firm decision to change my life. Since then, I became a certified nursing assistant.
Every day, I care for elderly and vulnerable independent individuals in their homes, people who trust me completely. I take that responsibility seriously. I have not violated that trash, and I never will. The same hands that once made harmful choices are now used to provide care, dignity, and support to others.
I'm not asking for you. I'm not asking you to forgive my past. I'm asking you to recognize the person I work hard to become. I have children watching me, people depending on me, and the future I am building to base on honesty and integrity. I have accepted my consequences of actions. I have done the work to change. I respectfully ask you to consider my growth and grant me this pardum so I can continue to move forward in opening doors that reflect who I am today.
Thank you.
>> Thank you, Miss Gray. Um, you know, we we could have granted your pardon a as an expedited pardon where you wouldn't have to appear, but I will share with you that we were very concerned with the amount of charges um that they were all the same. And it seems from reading the file, this is how you were supporting yourself.
>> Correct. Right.
>> Right. So, it's important for us to hear from you.
>> Yes.
>> Before we can grant this this pardon.
So, Mr. Rodriguez, do you want to begin with questions?
>> Yes. Miss Grace, I appreciate your opening statement, Mr. Gray. You It's unusual, too, because usually we see the kind of charges and we see some sort of drug problem or some sort of alcohol problem associated with it. And with you, I didn't see that. I didn't see any of that.
So yours was just strictly driven by a need to survive.
>> Correct.
>> Yes. Yeah. I was struggling my younger days, single mom. Um, you know, only had was making money to pay the bills, but you know, uh, >> you've been doing you've been doing CNA work since 2013, >> correct?
>> Was it just not paying enough?
>> No, I was doing more or less home health aid than actually working in a facility.
Um, so home healthy was just Yeah. It was It was paying me very low.
>> I know. And And financially, how are you doing now?
>> I wasn't I'm doing great. Much better now.
>> Yeah.
>> Yes. Much better.
>> Are you still Are you like an employee or are you still a CNA working independently?
>> So I am an employee um at the VA hospital. I care for a veteran.
>> Okay.
>> And I also take care of mentally challenged um client.
>> Okay. But that's a really a trusted position.
>> Correct.
>> And trust is very important in that role.
>> Yes, I agree.
>> Well, look, I appreciate the the work that you're putting into it. I see you want to advance in the health field and you want to you do some more, but you also said you want to get into law enforcement.
>> I do. I'm um considering being a police officer or a correction officer.
>> Wow, that's going to be Well, you you have a lot of work to have to do.
>> Yes.
>> A lot to get done.
>> I agree.
>> Listen, the best I wish you the best of luck. I don't have any additional questions, Madam Chair. Okay. Thank you, Miss Chance.
>> You know, Madame Chair, I I was one of the ones that wanted to bring uh Miss Gray to a full hearing, but I appreciate her opening statement, and you know, I know she was working as a CNA at the VA, and I'm sure that uh the folks that she's taking care of appreciates her.
She has a nice bright smile and uniform >> on if that's your uniform.
>> It's a shirt. But thank you.
>> It's a shirt and I'm sure it you know it brings joy to the people that you're taking care of.
>> Yes.
>> So thank you for doing that work.
>> Thank you.
>> And I wish you much success in the future.
>> Thank you.
>> All right. So in the matter of Ron Ronisha Nicole Gray I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez >> I.
>> Miss Chance >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Good luck to you. Thank you guys so much. Thank you. Thank you. Have a blessed.
>> Best of luck to you.
>> Thank you.
>> Next on the docket we have Mr. Sherrod John Henderson. Please state your name for the record.
Oh, okay. Mr. Henderson needs to unmute and unmute.
>> Camera on.
>> Can you hear me?
>> Yes. Do you have your camera you can put on?
>> I'm trying. I'm trying to put it on right now.
>> Okay.
That for today's hearing.
>> All right. I'm trying to get to it right now.
Ah, there you go. Now you just have to unmute.
>> Yeah.
>> Can you hear me?
>> Yes.
>> Please state your name.
>> Good afternoon. I'm Sherrod Anderson.
>> Thank you. And if you have a brief statement, you may provide it at this time or inform the board that you would like to move forward with questioning.
>> Um, I will give a brief statement. Um, so I guess I guess uh starting off I got my my criminal history. It started off as a young man. Um, a lot of things that I was involved in, it did have to do with uh with drug abuse and just, you know, just hanging with the wrong people and um, you know, just doing some, you know, just hanging with the with the wrong people in the pool crowd and um, and it led to to me being addicted to substances early in life. Um, I haven't smoked a cigarette since I think it was like 1997 or 98.
um and the drugs, you know, and I stopped using drugs early.
Um I want to uh um apologize to to anybody I may have offended while I was out there in um in society doing the wrong things. Um, you know, on the flip side of that, my mother used to always tell me just, you know, try and she used to always tell me like, you know, just do the right things and listen to what she had to say and I would be and, you know, things will be better for me. And I wish I did listen to her earlier. But now on the flip side, you know, I have my own company.
Uh, I employ I help many people start their own business.
Um, I employ six to seven guys.
Um, most of them with criminal histories like myself. I drive, um, I got a truck company. I drive trucks. It was hard for me to get a job driving trucks. No one would give me a chance with a CDL license.
Um, so I try to give people chances myself. Um, and with that being said, you know, I'm doing everything I can to stay focused, stay positive, and and move forward doing the right things.
>> Okay, Mr. Henderson, thank you very much. Um, Miss Chance, >> so Mr. Anderson, you said drug played a role in you committing these offenses, but you say you have been um clean for 20 years now.
during um your incarceration, you had a DOC drug score of three and said you completed programs in 2019 and the drugs that you were on was PCP and marijuana, but when you were asked, you know, about the substance abuse programs, you said you can't remember anything.
You also participated in the domestic violence program and said you couldn't remember anything that you learned.
>> So help me understand why >> I should grant a pardon today.
>> Well, I wouldn't say that I don't understand when it comes to dates and stuff. My dates might be a little bit off.
When it comes to my early like early on in life, my teenage to 20s, early 20s, I was battling a substance abuse abuse issue in my life. Thank God that by me going to uh programs and and and going through life experiences, it changed me.
Um I could never say that those things didn't help me because I'm a living testament. I'm drug free. I'm crime free. I work every day. I take care of my family. And I work very hard to to for everything I got today. So, um, you know, maybe maybe my dates might be a little off, but I I'm I'm definitely a changed person. I'm no longer, you know, the reckless kid that was uh using drugs and bar and and doing some of the things that I did in the community. U my sister has a church. I'm very active in the church. Um we go we go out well we just we did a book bag drive. We did a coat drive. Um we go to the um to the homes for the elderly and we feed them. Uh we feed a lot of unfortunate people in the community. So you know I'm I'm very in in that sense I did learn a lot from the programs and the drug abuse uh clinicians and stuff. and um you know and and it worked on me and it's and it's continue to work to this day. I'm doing everything I can and I'm working very hard to stay focused and stay positive and and and be a pillar in my community and not someone that destroys it.
>> What about the um assault third and you completed that DV?
the saw the saw third um that was with unfortunately that was with a friend a friend of mine from uh early in life um and you know >> well that happened in 2017 >> yes and we knew each other since we was kids um that that situation you know and I I can't point the blame on anybody because I put myself in a situation my mother told me. She said, "You know, if you over there with the girl, you know, she's, you know, she still she, you know, she does all kind of stuff." And I didn't listen and I didn't listen. And I still went in that situation.
Um, I remember uh her me and her coming to a conclusion that we was going to split apart. Um, I packed >> But let me stop you there, Mr. Anderson, because all I want to know is what did you learn in the domestic violence program? Oh, I I learned I learned, you know, that I can't change I can't change how a person feels. I can't make a person um love me. I can't make a person, you know, uh do anything that, you know, like just if I want a person to behave in a certain way and a person doesn't want to do it, I can't I can't make the person do it. You know, I got to, you know, I I could either do one or two things. either me and a person could work it out or I could remove myself from the situation which is I which is I did at that time but after I made a bad decision.
>> Yeah. Do you ever run into her?
>> I never ran into her after that situation. I kind of made sure that I didn't.
>> Okay. So, you you currently have your own business and um you're up to date with your court order child support. You completed the appropriate programs. Says you've been drug-free for several years.
>> Yes.
>> Okay. All right. Well, thank you for answering. And I don't know if the um chair had mentioned, but the state's attorney objects to you getting a pardon.
>> I had not. Thank you, Miss Chance.
>> Yeah, we have a letter from the state's attorney objecting to your pardon based on the number of convictions and the fact that they occurred within the last 10 years.
>> All right. So, Mr. Henderson. My my only comment and I guess there's sort of a question. You referred to yourself as as being young and not making good decisions. Your last conviction for selling drugs, you were 40 years old. Um we don't really consider that young.
You know, if you were in your early 20s, we might give you a little bit of latitude, but at 40 years old, you decide to sell drugs because you needed to make money.
H how has your mindset changed since then?
>> Well, I lost my mother um since then. Um and you know, my mother was like she was everything to me. Um she was, you know, wherever I lacked or slacked at, she was always there to help me. Now I realize I I have I I have no, you know, I don't have her no more. So, um you know, I really and and all she wanted wanted to see me do was change and do the right things. And I found something that I really like doing. My father drove trucks for over 40 years. Um, he actually passed away in the truck, you know, so at first I didn't take it serious, but you know, I learned I got a I got a a love for what I do and and it pays the bills. So, it'll never be a reason for me to uh, you know, to do anything other than what I'm doing right now. And I help a lot of people. I help people start their own companies. um help people get involved in um in in uh in uh selling cars and stuff like that.
>> Yeah.
>> So, you know, I help change a lot of people lives also.
>> Yeah. Well, I'm I heard you mention that earlier and certainly part of um being suitable or being granted a pardon is we're, you know, is giving back to your community. Being a productive contributing member community of your community and selling drugs in your community certainly does not do that.
Excellent.
>> So, um, at the age of 40 and you're selling drugs, that's a great concern.
Uh, you are 46 years old now. How long have you been running this business?
>> Almost three years.
>> All right. So, about the time you got out of jail then, right?
>> Yes.
>> Okay. All right.
All right. All right. Mr. Henderson.
Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez.
>> I don't have any questions, Madam Chair.
You know, let me let me ask one. Um because one of the issues with the state attorney is that you have no that it's not only that you sold drugs but it was that you had no sense of of the of the victims of of of selling drugs that you felt you know that they felt that you that you indicated there were no victims and that do you believe that?
>> Really don't believe that. I believe that like when so when I was younger, right, I didn't know the difference between of how selling drugs hurt so many people. You know what I mean? Cuz I was basically living in it in the environment. So it was kind of like, you know, you see people use drugs, you see people sell drugs, you see it all the time. It took some reflection for me to really get that awareness and to grow into a conscious of I seen how I hurt people. I seen how people went from being um you know hardworking people to to uh you know using drugs and and and losing things and stuff like that. You know my heart goes out to him and I apologize to all of them you know to you know I apologize for everything that I've done you know. Thank Thank you so much for answering my question.
>> Right. Thank you.
>> I'm done.
>> All right. Appreciate that, Mr. Rodriguez. Um because that was a concern of the state's attorneys and they quoted you on that.
>> In fact, yeah.
>> Yeah. All right. Um I think we we see improvement in Mr. Henderson, some giving back to his community, some maturity, although it took a long time coming. So absent objection, I'll make a motion to grant the pardon. In the matter of Sherard, John Henderson, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Miss Chance >> I, >> Mr. Rodriguez, >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Congratulations, Mr. Henderson.
>> Thank you. Thank you.
>> All right.
>> I'm glad I couldn't see your face before. I'm glad I can see it now.
>> Thank you.
>> We have Orlando Hutchinson. Please state your name for the record.
Hutchinson.
>> All right. Uh, Mr. Hutchinson was not in the hearing when everybody was sworn in.
So, Mr. Hutchinson, I'm just going to swear you in real quick. The appropriate response to this testament is, I do. Do you solemnly swear and sincerely affirm, as the case may be, that the evidence you shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
So, help you God, or upon the penalty of perjury.
>> I do.
All right. Uh if you have a statement, you may provide it at this time.
>> Fortunately, I did not prepare a statement. Um I was kind of I was leaving it in the hands of who I'm speaking with today.
>> Okay.
>> Um yeah, it's been when So, I just started a new uh job, same career.
Mr. Hutchinson, I don't mean to cut you off, but but I'm going to a little bit.
>> Um, your conviction does go back a number of years. 2002, 2020, 2003. So, they're about 23 years ago. Um, it seems to me that you were my notes here. 21 and 22 at the time.
You're 45 years old now.
I I would guess. 46 in July.
>> 46.
>> Yeah.
>> Oh, wow.
>> There we go. In June.
>> Yeah. So, it seems to me that you've done a lot of thinking and growing and maturing. Uh we do have an indication that you're now that you've been employed as a truck driver for a while.
You have your GED.
>> 14 years.
>> Yep. Um working for the same company for the last six years now.
Oh, no. You're at a new company since January 2026. Prior to that, you were at a company for about five years. What were you doing before you were a truck driver? Yeah, my folks had um had um there were how do you call it when um it was sub subleas leases between leasing delivery service?
It was from out of New York.
>> Okay.
>> So I worked for them.
Um yeah, I worked for my family for a bit a bit years before I got my license.
Um from a regular license to a CDL.
So I've kind of been busy in the transportation business.
>> Okay.
>> It's certainly other than that it's um >> Yeah. What did you do for your family >> and music?
>> Delivery. Uh, library books.
>> Okay. Delivery.
>> Okay.
>> Yeah.
>> All right.
All right. So, I don't I I'm in favor of granting the pardon today. So, in the matter of Erlando Hutchinson, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez, >> I.
>> Miss Chance, >> I. and the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Congratulations, Mr. Hutchinson. Thanks for your patience today.
>> All right.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Shemik Martin.
>> All right. Miss Martin's case is going to um we the application is being returned. Um she's no longer eligible for a pardon today.
Next up, we have Deshawn Lamar Monree.
Please state your name for the record.
>> Hi, good afternoon board Desawn Mree.
All right, Desan, if you have a brief statement, you could provide it at this time.
>> Yes, I would like to say something.
>> Mhm. Um, good afternoon board. I just want to say thank you for taking the time out today to hear hear out my case.
Um, the last few years, you know, every day has been a little rough, but over the last seven to eight years, I you know, I've been pushing forward. Um, I'm currently about to get married in October, October 9th. So, I I want to, you know, further on my my future with my fiance as far as having a family and like starting a business and creating LLC's and stuff like that. And um I just want to say that um I I um I really need this pardon today because for my job um I work for American Green Fuels down in um New Haven, Connecticut. And um we require a Twig card to you know access the premises on on and off the premises and stuff like that.
>> And um I just got my certification if you don't mind me showing you um >> recently >> and um I I just um really would think it would be really helpful for me to further my career at um American Green Fuel. It's a really great job. I've been there for three years now. Next year will be four.
And um I'll just leave it up to you guys, you know, to decide.
>> Okay. Do you like that job?
>> Yes, ma'am. Yep.
>> What do you like about it?
>> Um everything. It's really different.
It's a lot of chemistry. It's like being back in school. So, it's a lot of chemistry. It's a lot of math. We deal with a lot of like, you know, like um methanol, like a lot of like um like methanol, sulfuric acid, a lot of things like that. Heat exchangers. like it it's just teaching me something new. I learn something new every day.
>> All right, m Mr. Monree, you you're for some very serious charges, you know, accessory to robbery, criminal attempted assault, then you have a no pistol char permit charge. Tell us >> how have you changed? How how have you turned the corner?
>> I turned the corner. Well, um I was in my younger 20s when all of that was happening. I'm >> 304, 27. And I mean, you're young, but you weren't a you weren't a kid.
>> Yeah. Yeah. I was I'm not saying I was a kid. Yeah. But, you know, I was a little younger. I'm 34 now.
>> Um, I moved away from the area, my old neighborhood and everything where everything was happening. I don't f I don't live or I don't hang out down there anymore, you know. I just work. I come home every day. Um, I don't associate with like really none of my codefendants like anybody at all, you know. I just separated myself, you know, cuz I didn't want to be put back in, you know, in that hole, you know, to be getting in trouble and, you know, >> so I just basically, you know, found something I like to do, separated myself, and um try to continue to grow as a man. You know, every day is a learning experience for me. So, I learned something new every day.
>> So, that Yep.
>> All right. So, you were on probation.
You get off probation looks like August of 2022.
What did you do on probation?
>> Um, they gave me like anger management and like um I guess like like drug and alcohol classes. Just little stuff like that. But I completed everything. I didn't I didn't do you know.
>> Yep. Well, I don't see a violation. So on this charge anyways got a violation on the first charge though the new arrest.
>> Yes. Yes. Yep.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Why do you think you didn't learn after the first arrest? Um the first arrest um I'mma be honest after I didn't learn I I just made a stupid mistake you know I found a firearm and I kept it and I ended up getting you know getting caught with it >> which was really silly of me to do at the time you know but >> dangerous >> I yeah really dangerous I take full accountability for it you know I I shouldn't have done that but at the time to me it was like okay like why not but it was really stupid you and I and I really apologize for it.
>> Okay. All right. Miss Chance or Mr. Rodriguez, >> I just wanted to do a quick followup.
So, Mr. Monree, with the attempted assault.
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> Um, they had a concern because they said you were wearing a tire that was associated with a gang.
>> That's what they said. The the victim said in the police report, I wasn't wearing nothing. his I don't I don't even know I don't even know the victim at all. The victim knows my codefendants, you know. It was just me being at a bad place at a at a bad time and making a bad decision. I'm not associated with any gangs. I don't hang out with anybody. I don't, you know, I just work and I come home. That's it. I don't even hang with my codefendants. I you know, anything.
>> Okay.
>> I'm not a part of any gang. I'm sorry.
>> So, you live in Ma in Manchester now?
Yes, ma'am.
>> Okay.
>> For going on three years now. Two years.
>> Yeah. Well, you know, congratulations on getting married in October.
>> Thank you. Thank you.
>> So, it seems to me that you're on the right path.
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> And I understand why you like that job.
>> Yeah.
>> So, um I wish you the best of luck.
>> Thank you. I appreciate it, >> Mr. Rodriguez.
>> Yeah. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Congratulations on your certificate on your >> Thank Thank you.
>> chemical one. Chemical level one.
>> Yeah, chemical level one. Yep.
>> Just be careful with those chemicals because they can be dangerous.
>> Yeah. Yeah, man. I've seen some accidents already. It's it's but you know, it's Yeah, >> sure. No, it looks it looks as if you know, it looks as if I'm on paper and stuff. It looks as if you're trying to do the right thing and move in the right direction, taking your anger management.
I mean, I will say it is concerning to have this this carrying a pistol without permit charge.
>> Yes, sir. I agree. Yep.
>> You know, especially with things that are going on in the streets today.
>> Right. Right.
>> So, I I hope that you have, you know, kind learned your lesson in all of this.
>> Yes, sir. I I certainly did.
>> Other than that, I have any additional questions. Good luck to you.
>> Thank you, sir. I appreciate you.
>> All right. All right. I I think we all witness and have read and see you know some definite maturity and some growth and an opportunity for Mr. Monree to move forward with a good career.
>> So in the matter of Desan Lamar Mree I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Miss Chance >> I >> Mr. Rodriguez >> I >> and the chair votes I the pardon is granted. Do good things Mr. Monree.
>> I will I will not let you guys down.
Thank you. Right.
>> Thank you.
>> Don't let yourself down.
>> Yes, sir. Got you. Got you. Thank you.
>> Um, next up on the docket, we have Scott Maro, but I don't see him in the lobby anymore, and I believe he's trying to get back in. Um, so let's just >> Prag, they should be joining now.
Oh, he's in here now.
>> I just I just confirmed it was him and admitted them, so they should be able to unmute.
>> I see him down in the corner.
>> Oh, yeah.
>> Scott Maro, can you say your name for the record?
>> He's muted and his camera's not on.
>> Um, >> yeah. We just need you to turn your There you go.
>> There you go.
>> Just say your name for the record.
>> Scott Maro.
>> All right. Scott, if you have a statement, you could provide it at this time.
>> Oh, well, I just like to thank you guys for considering me.
Um, sorry for all the things I've done in my past. I'm not proud of. Um, you know, a lot of a lot of things I was just immature stems from, uh, you know, not having any parents growing up pretty much in the streets. And I'd say my lack of maturity, even it took a lot longer than most people because I didn't have any parental guidance. Um, still no excuse. You know, my actions were all mine and mine alone.
Um, yeah. I mean, uh, >> Mr. Moro, um, why don't we proceed and we'll ask you some questions because you've touched on some of what we'd be looking for. Um, Mr. Rodriguez.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, Mr. Maro.
Maro, is it Maro?
>> Yes, >> Maro. Yeah, Mr. Maro, just you, first of all, for me, you have an extensive history.
>> Yeah. Yeah. a lot of a lot of things you've done not only here you multi-state plus a federal offense.
>> Um you know some of it I can see even though you don't you don't you don't seem to have an an addiction issue you have a lot of you have some drug charges here. I'm assuming you did them what to make money. Just to make money.
>> Yes.
>> You weren't fueling you weren't fueling your own situation your own addiction.
>> No no I've never used the drug.
Um for me the charges were very very serious.
>> Um and this is kind of on all on the negative end, right?
>> But you have you know you've completed supervision successfully and positively and your situation and you seen your CDL driver continue to drive >> CDL driver and a licensed real estate agent.
>> Yeah, that's good. Um and that market's not really great right now. Um You know, I mean, I guess my biggest concern here is just the the nature of all your charges. Um, your your um you fought with your ex-girlfriend in front of the police department.
>> No, I've never >> That's what it says. Ex-girlfriend.
>> I I don't know what it must have been.
Some kind of argument. Like I said, >> breach breach of peace.
>> Yeah. I like I said, I was immature.
Didn't know how to handle myself.
>> It was a long It was a long time ago. I was just amazed that it happened in front of the police front police department. That's all.
Anyway, that sound good. We can just move on. It's not a big deal. We We've covered that. Um, can you tell me like what's going on in your life right now? Are you doing any volunteer work in the community? Are you >> Oh, I mean, >> I was a professional motorcycle stunt rider. I used to do shows for free for uh Outback Steakhouse doing the feed your kids program they had. I did that annually every year. Uh I also have a friend as Seal Sports Academy. I help him uh you know pass out the food and stuff on Easter and stuff. Um >> yeah, >> I mean look it's been 13 years since you let your last >> I mean I could I could tell you what my turnaround has been. Yeah, I'd like to hear that.
>> Um, well, in 2013, I lost my grandparents 11 days apart, and they were the only two figures that I ever had in my life. So, it was a spiritual thing that I went through. But with with the with that happening, I also decided to go to counseling. And that actually helped me, you know, it opened up other doors of problems I've had. you know, I didn't realize not having a father, there was a real under underlying anger that I had.
Um, >> were you working that through some sort of therapy?
>> Yeah. I don't know if you ever heard of TC Brantley. He used to be on the radio and I heard him on the radio one day and so I decided it was obviously because my grandparents had passed away. So, I set up a meeting to see him and then it turned into counseling type stuff. uh just working on myself just >> okay >> you know now and now you know obviously I'm older like I' I've been able to mature especially with seeing someone and realizing the problems I had within myself that a lot of it stems from you know no parents no guidance so >> I kind of learned slowly slower than average I guess >> well at least you're learning Yeah. Well, listen, I don't really have a whole a whole lot more questions for you. I wish you a lot of luck.
>> Thank you.
>> I'll listen what my colleagues have to say.
>> Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez. Miss Chance.
>> No, Mr. Mora. One of the things that I um did is I read that reflection that you wrote on how you were raised and the detour that you took selling drugs and how your last incarceration was an eyeopener for you.
one, as you said earlier, the death of your grandparents 11 days apart, and you wanted to be able to honor them by how you live your life going forward.
So, what you did was to attend the counseling and found out about your underlying anger issue because you didn't have a father figure.
But I think uh you know for you to sit and write that whole reflection speaks volumes for the fact that you truly wanted to move forward with your life and honor your grandparents who was no longer around.
The question I had had for you, you sort of answered half of it was um what have you done to give back to the community that you were selling all this drugs to over such an extensive period of time.
And so that's one thing that I said to myself, geez, you owe the community a lot for what you took from them.
So, can you think of anything else beside the volunteer work that you do with the Outback Steakhouse?
>> Uh, like I said, I also have a friend as Sports Academy. Uh, that's his thing.
It's a nonprofit. I try to help him out when I can. It's hard, you know, I do work, you know, being a truck driver, sometimes I'm working 11, 12 hours a day. Mhm.
>> Um, >> but in life, you know, we make commitments and I know you work hard.
Um, and you have certainly uh turned your life around and you've been crime free for 13 years, but that was a lot of offenses that you committed. not just a m being a multi-state offense but offender but you also had um federal charges. So just going forward I just want you to think um you know about how you can continue to repay your community.
Okay.
>> Yes. Absolutely. Um, I I would like to say too that I know this isn't really uh sometimes, you know, when there are events and there's people I feel guilty cuz I don't know who knows me from my past and sometimes sometimes that kind of keeps me from doing things.
>> Oh, no. But where you are in your life, you go out there and you know the fact that you're there to help, they will support you in that.
Okay.
>> Mhm.
>> All right. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> All right. So, in the matter of Scott Thomas Maro, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez >> I.
>> Miss Chance >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Good job, Mr. Maro.
>> Thank you.
>> You're welcome.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Frederick John Rivers. Please state your name for the record.
There you go.
>> Hello. Can you hear me?
>> Yes.
>> My name is Frederick John Rivers.
>> Frederick, if you have a brief statement, you could provide it at this time.
>> Yes. Good morning, chairman and members of the board. My name is Frederick John Rivers. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today. I'm here to take full responsibility for my past poor choice and to respectfully ask for a pardon based on the life I've built since my conviction.
At the time of my offense, I was struggling with addiction, anger, and emotional instability. I was not thinking clearly, and I did not have the tools to handle stress or conflict, excuse me, in a healthy way. While I faced challenges during that period, I want to be clear that I take full responsibility for my actions, for the harm that resulted from them. After my conviction, I made the decision that I needed to change, not just temporarily, but completely. I committed myself to understanding my behavior and rebuilding my life the right way.
I took anger management classes and completed the Explorer program where I learned how to manage my emotions, communicate more effectively, and respond to situations without escalating them. Those programs gave me the tools that I still use today. The most important change I made was becoming sober. I have now maintained sobriety off of alcohol for 5 years. That has been the foundation for everything else in my life. Sobriety gave me clarity, discipline, and the ability to take control of my actions and my future.
Today I live a stable and structured life. I work as a chef, a career I take great pride in. Cooking has always given me purpose and now I'm working at Wild Sage Kitchen while also building my own business, Delivery, which is focused on bringing Connecticut style pizza to a new market.
>> I also made significant life change by relocating to South Dakota where I built a fresh start in a positive environment.
I live with my girlfriend in a healthy and supportive relationship and my life today is based on stability, responsibility, and peace.
Since my conviction, I have stayed completely out of trouble. My change has not been based on words. It's been based on years of consistent action, sobriety, and accountability.
I am seeking a pardon so I can continue moving forward without my past influ, excuse me, limiting my future. A pardon would allow me to grow my business, expand my opportunities, and fully restore my rights and reputation. I'm not asking the board to forget my past.
I'm asking you to recognize the work I have done to change my life and the person I have become. Thank you for your time and consideration.
>> Thank you, Mr. Rivers. All right, Miss Chance.
>> So, Mr. Rivers, I appreciate your opening comments and um as you were talking, I know I I read that you're employed as a pizza chef. And I'm thinking, wow, that sounds like um you know, a great job. And you sound like you're a very good chef.
But then I read further and you're living in South Dakota.
>> Yes.
So anyway, I wanted to just follow up with you on something because um you said that you were sober, you participated in a and NA meeting and you were in recovery and you did your sober dates for alcohol and cocaine, but then you mentioned that you had a brief relapse one year after and has not use alcohol since 2024.
Can you clarify that for me?
>> I can clarify. I have not used alcohol since 2020. My relapse was uh well just over two years ago and that was uh one time I used cocaine when I was at a social gathering.
>> Okay. It was cocaine.
Okay.
Okay. So that was a lapse.
>> Yes.
Okay.
Okay. It makes a difference. You know the difference between a relapse and a lapse?
>> I actually never heard that uh language that I always thought it was considered a relapse.
>> No. If you used once and you did you only used once and you didn't use then it's a lapse.
>> Okay. If you think about, you know, it's it's what you do after and if after you use the cocaine and then you went and um either uh went to a meeting or you know spoke to someone and it was just that one time then it >> Well, thank you for that. But but I appreciate that you wrote that in in your application and so I was just I thought it was alcohol but now you're saying it's cocaine so it makes sense.
Now did you also become a recovery coach for SAR?
>> Yeah, I took the CC car and I was volunteering in the capacity of a certified recovery coach in the town of Bangor at the Bangor area recovery network.
>> Oh okay. And are you still doing it there?
>> Uh, South Dakota unfortunately does not have any programs for recovery coaches.
They have like detoxes and rehabs, but they don't really have somewhere like the Bangor Area Recovery Network.
>> Okay, then that's maybe something you can work on. I' I've uh I've put some feelers out there and uh so far uh it seems that there's a community that's interested in having a a place to gather that's not a detox or an official rehab, but uh I haven't found any brick and mortars of that nature in the Rapid City area yet.
>> Okay. Well, I hope you follow through and I wish you the best of luck.
>> Thank you.
>> All set, Madam Chair.
>> Thank you. So, Mi Mr. Mr. Rivers, did you do a domestic violence program?
>> Yes, I completed the explorer program with CHR.
>> You did? Yeah. I'm sorry. I did hear me that.
>> Yeah. Okay. And can you give us one or two takeaways from that that helps you in your current relationship?
>> Yes. Um the the biggest takeaway was that emotions are typically snowballed from other emotions. Um past traumas.
I I was formerly in an abusive relationship where I was being abused.
Um, and I I've learned that that has nothing to do with my current situation.
And I have to remind myself that that all these things are stressors that aren't necessarily involved with the current, you know, debate, argument, whatever it might be.
So, I learned to to separate my past traumas from what's currently going on.
>> Okay. And how about, you know, in your current relationship, I appreciate that you don't let those past emotions kind of overcome. Do you talk about better ways to communicate?
You know, timeouts. I mean, those are some of those typical things that you do when people become a little irritated or agitated with one another.
>> Yeah. And admittedly, no relationship is without its conflicts.
>> Exactly. Um, so I've learned to take timeouts if I'm starting to run hot. Um, >> my my loving girlfriend of two years now is very supportive um, in my recovery and understands a lot of my past issues, but we typically don't get to that level very often. And if I feel myself starting to get heated, I'll I'll communicate that and she'll gives she gives me space >> and we can we can talk things out when things have cooled down. Okay. All right. Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez.
>> Yeah. Um, no, I don't have any questions. Just, you know, uh, the seriousness of your charges, I think they were very serious. You know, >> strangulation, suffocation, those are very serious charges. You got you got to keep yourself in check.
>> Agreed.
>> Yeah. All right. I don't have any questions.
>> Thank you. All right. Um, in the matter of John Frederick Rivers, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Miss Chance >> I, >> Mr. Rodriguez, >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Congratulations, Mr. Rivers.
>> Thank you very much.
>> Yeah.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Nicholas Lawrence Rizzio. Please state your name for the record.
Nicholas Rizzio.
>> Nicholas, if you have a brief statement, uh, you may provide it at this time.
Well, >> I just like to thank you for having me here today for Thank you >> to talk about, uh, my my pardon, my absolute pardon, and um, I'm ready for questions.
>> Okay, Mr. Rizzio, thank you for that.
So, these convictions do go back a bit.
1993, 2014.
Um, you've been off probation now since 2017.
Uh, you were on probation three times.
What, when you were on probation, what were you doing? Did they have you doing any programming, any counseling?
>> Yes. Uh, program, all kinds of uh anger management courses. Um, I didn't really have too much substance abuse programs because I wasn't into the I had I did have an alcohol program with uh when I had when I had a DUI, >> but um that was in uh 2013, but other than that, I uh didn't have a lot of courses that I that I did. I went through probation. Whatever they were asking me, I did. But >> I do have a note that you did domestic violence and an anger management program. Do you think they were helpful?
>> Yes, definitely. Uh, you learn things that you may not be aware of in human behavior. Uh, things that you might be want to avoid before things happen.
>> Uh, you know, there's always ways of knowing things like red flags that come up in your life where you know you might be with the wrong person or in that in that aspect. So, >> okay. Have you been able to you to kind of put those skills into practice with any other relationships that you've had or through work?
>> Yes. Uh I haven't had any issues with anger or anything like that with anybody and in in quite a long time. I'm in a very good place spiritually. Um I'm going to church. I'm in a state of grace. I'm I'm you know I believe in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And uh I'm going to counseling with uh Catholic Charities twice a month and I I I worked that out and I also worked that out in the past with Catholic Charities with extensive uh counseling and I really enjoy going and talking and I and and to this day I still am benefiting from talking with Catholic Charities.
>> Yes. Yeah.
>> So that's something you do on your own now. I'm glad to hear that.
>> Yes. Yes. Yes, I do.
>> Excellent. Good for you. I think it's important to recognize when you need support.
>> Sure.
>> All right. Thank you, Mr. Rizzo. And are you still looking for a job or have you been able to >> I'm working full-time with porch and patio um moving patio furniture. It's uh you know, it's something that gives me money, but I've unfortunately because of my past, I hope that I'm granted this pardon today because it's holding me back. I was hired for some really great jobs uh with the city of Milford hired and I was pulled out of orientation. I uh had the job at hand of I was second out of 400 people, etc., etc. I had it was a very extensive test because I had eight years experience in the DT. When I got into trouble, I lost my job at the DT.
>> Okay.
>> And I really want to continue doing something like that because I like that type of work. I have a still have a CDL.
Um I also was hired with the regional water supply and I just wanted to uh you know, continue that.
>> Okay. Well, I wish you the best of luck and I'm I'm I'm glad that you're working. It's good to to have some structure and to be busy and make some sort of a living.
>> Yes.
>> So, um, Miss Chance, >> you know, so Miss Rizzo, you know, I was, you know, why you lost the job? It was because of that 2013 offense, but I know that you you you took the classes, so it was, you know, dismissed and I hope they will take you back because it's obvious that um you were a good employee there.
>> Yes. Well, it wouldn't necessarily have to be the DOT. There's all all the kinds of other work that I mean there's public work jobs or you know I mean in that s sort of field like a utility job or something like that would be my dream >> right okay well good luck >> thank you >> thank you miss chance Mr. Rodriguez.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, Mr. Rizio somewhere I read where you had some issue with Xanax.
>> Yes. Uh during >> You didn't mention You didn't mention that earlier. How come?
>> Well, it might have slipped my mind, but I I did put it in my report uh when I >> Yeah, that's why that's why I'm getting it from you.
>> Oh, yeah. Well, I I did the night the night the terrible night of the offense on the officer who I have of I take full responsibility with and I have a lot of remorse of on what happened with her and her family and also my family and everything that I put everything else through. But I was mistaking the the the uh the drug. I was I was going through a divorce and I got a doctor who prescribed me Xanax. The way he told me to take it, I I was taking it wrong. I was taking too much. I was knew I didn't know how to do it and I I overdid it.
And >> let me clarify it then. Were you addicted to Xanax or did you just make a mistake and take the wrong dose?
>> I I just took too much at one time and I I kind of I kind of went into a nose dive when when that when that issue happened.
>> Nose diet meaning you started taking it more often.
>> Uh yes. I I I was taking it where where it affected my that that night that I got in trouble. Definitely had some effect on my on my on my behavior that night. You are no longer taking it, I'm assuming.
>> No.
>> And how did you stop?
>> Well, I wasn't addicted to it. I was just taking it because the doctor told me that that would help my anxiety because of my divorce. And >> how long did you take it?
>> Uh, it was, you know, 6 months or so.
>> And you were overdosing. You were taking more than what you >> Well, I'm not sure what I if I was overdosing because I'm not sure. I know that I wasn't taking it taking it correctly. I I was maybe took too much and that's what happened because I that night was wasn't clear to me. Everything wasn't clear.
>> So So your feeling is you're thinking that you took that Xanax at night and that's what caused you to get into the um assault with the public safety officer.
>> Yes. I feel like that I had >> Was it combined with drinking as well?
>> No, there was no alcohol involved. There was no alcohol involved.
>> It was just a Xanax.
>> Yes. And I was I was kind of uh in a in a sleep state also when the police came.
I'm not sure about the whole situation because the person I was living with called the police and I didn't know.
>> I appreciate it. I appreciate you answering my question. Thank you.
>> Yeah. So just for clarification, the it it it it read as an abuse of Xanax, but that was in 1992 and and part of it was the assault on the public safety officer.
The driving while impaired in 213 was different.
>> Yeah. Now you >> that was from back in 1992.
>> Yeah. I was thinking about the assault on this that he didn't mention that during the course of this conversation as a chair.
>> I'm good. Thank you, Madam Chair.
>> Okay. All right. These do go back a little ways. 2014 is last arrest. Um seems to be taking care of himself.
So in the matter of Nicholas Lawrence Rizio, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Miss Chance >> I.
>> Mr. Rodriguez. I >> and the chair votes I. The pardon is granted.
>> Thank you.
>> Good luck, Mr. Rizio.
>> Thank you so much.
>> Okay.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Jose Angel Vasquez. Please state your name for the record.
>> Jose, just state your name. We >> Jose, can you turn the volume up somehow? And you're sideways. That's >> There we go. Correct.
>> Can you hear me better?
>> Yes.
>> Much better.
>> Okay. Thank you.
>> If you have a brief statement, you can provide it.
>> Yes, I'm pulling it up right now.
>> I appreciate you guys. Thank you.
>> All righty.
>> Good morning, chairman and members of the board. My name is Jose Vasquez.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you today.
I come before you with humility and full accountability for my past.
I understand this is my third time applying. I do not take that lightly. I respect the board's prior decisions and I am here today to show you through decades of consistent actions the man I become.
My most serious offense occurred in 1990.
I take full responsibility for that crime. I do not minimize it and I live with remorse for the emotional and phys physical harm that I have caused.
I cannot change the past, but I spent more than 30 years working to ensure I never repeat that behavior and that I live a responsible, law-abiding life.
My last conviction was in 1994. Since then, over 30 years, I have remained conviction free.
That time is not my by chance. It reflects a complete change in change in the how I think, how I live, and how I make decisions.
While I incarcerated, I began to change uh change my ear I earned my GED, completed substance abuse treatment uh anger na anger management.
After my release, I continued that work.
I committed myself to sobriety and I have now been sober for over 30 years since I got out of prison. Sobriety gave me that discipline and clarity to rebuild my life the right way.
I built my life step by step. I started with basic jobs, work my way up, earned my CDL and later transitioned into mechanical and electrical field after serious trucking accident.
Today I have been uh employed for the past as as an electrician for the past 10 years and mechanical electrician technician. I support myself live independently and maintain a st a stable structure life. I am also a father uh and my children which are men now are a major reason I continue to live responsibly.
I want them to see a man who took responsibility for his past and chose to live differently. One of my most important moments in my life was seeing my mother cry during my incarceration.
That moment stayed with me. It made me realize that my actions hurt not only my victims but also the people who love me.
From that point forward, I made a commitment to become someone my family could be proud of. I am seeking a pardon for the opportunity to fully move forward after that three decades of living uh lawful living. My record and registry status continue to limit my ability to advance in my career, obtain lensure licensing and build longtime financial security as I approach retirement.
A pardon would uh allow me to obtain my electrician electrician's license, improve my employment opportunity, and live with greater dignity after years of providing my change.
I am not asking the board to forget my past. I am asking you to recognize the next of time, the consistency of my action and the life that I have built then since.
>> Thank you, Mr. Vasquez. That was >> Thank you very much.
>> Yes, that was really well done. You covered a lot of territory and brought us up to where you are now. you have done these convictions do go back quite a ways. Uh you're you were last on probation in 1995.
You were released from any form of incarceration 26 years ago. Um they are serious charges.
>> You know narcotics, you have a sexual assault on there when you were a younger person. Um, but you certainly have made some serious >> serious and positive headway in your life. We we do recognize that. So, Mr. Rodriguez, do you have any questions for Mr. Vasquez?
>> I think Mr. Vasquez covered a lot uh for me. Uh, and 30 30 32 years really >> at this point. Um, >> I don't really have a whole lot of questions. I mean, you were correct, Madam Chair, that the the charges were very serious, but they were a very very long time ago. And he's really lived he's really lived a very exceptional life at this point, uh, those 32 years.
>> Yeah.
>> Um, are you still working?
>> Oh, yes.
>> Okay.
>> Yes.
>> Yeah. Yeah. I I don't have any additional questions, ma'am. Sure.
>> Miss Chance, >> I don't have any questions, Madam Chair.
>> Well, Mr. Vasquez, there you go.
All the time you put into that statement served you well.
>> Thank you so much.
>> With regard to Jose Vasquez, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez, >> I.
>> Miss Chance, >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Congratulations and thank you for your patience today. We know it's been a long day for those at the end of the docket.
>> Thank you.
>> You're welcome.
Next up on the docket, we have Edward Donshai Walker. Please state your name for the record.
>> Edward Walker.
>> Uh Edward, we just need you to turn your camera on and then if you have a brief statement, you can provide it at this time.
>> Good morning. How y'all doing?
>> Good morning. Afternoon. We're in afternoon.
>> Afternoon. Afternoon. I've been here since morning.
>> That's how long you been waiting.
>> Yeah. Um I do have a brief statement. I just want to take the time to um thank you all for being here today and actually uh giving me this opportunity to uh present myself here.
>> Okay. Thank you for that. All right. So, Miss Chance, do you have questions for Mr. Walker?
>> So, Mr. Walker, you know, this was a very, very, very, very serious charge.
>> Yes, ma'am.
Do you know what happened to the victim?
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> Do you see or hear from the victim?
>> So, I haven't heard from the victim ever since the charge uh prior to the victim from the charge. Um I didn't know the victim personally at all. This was a matter of me being in the wrong place at the right time. If I can go back to the situation at hand, um I should have minded my business. I should have not let pride take over and um I should have just really just went the opposite way.
Um when the situation occurred, I immediately felt horrible about it. I sat down. I prayed to God, hoping that everything would be okay, all right. And I didn't expect this um to happen this way. Um >> so can I ask you so do you know how many times you stab the victim?
>> Well in in in um in the news it said a preferable amount of times. Um it was very extensive um in the situation >> to 13 times.
>> Yes ma'am. But what I also read is that you had an addiction to cocaine. Was that true?
>> So it wasn't I wouldn't say more so addiction. I remember in the hearing that we had before um I had a charge in 2006 and I was about 19 years old around the wrong crowd that influenced me to try cocaine mixed with marijuana at the time and it was the wrong idea. Um, I felt bad about it. I took AIC programs. I completed it successfully.
Um, the 2014 charge had absolutely nothing to do with the 2006 cocaine charge. These are those are two different charges.
>> So, what happened while you were why you stabbed the victims? What caused you to stab the victims so many times?
>> Okay. So, well, I was at my auntie's house, right? And I remember this day it was uh I was watching the Pitch First Steelers played the Post. That's my football team. And my auntie was arguing with her neighbor. My auntie was winning the argument. So when my auntie began winning the argument, the husband at the time stepped in and said something um verbally disrespectful to my aunt. So me being prideful and just wanting to be defensive, I stepped in and I said, "Hey, who you talking to?" and I called his wife a and that's what triggered this man to uh physically come attack me. I think I was about 180 lbs. He was probably about 220 and he threw me in a choke hole. So as this man was choking me out who I don't know all all I could remember was him having me by the neck. He was on top of me and when once he said don't you he said to me don't you know that I will kill you? I got so scared and I thought I was going to die. And with the victim, the victim's wife, the victim's mom who I real uh child who I realize that this this this has an effect on everybody. Um even with the uh police report, um nobody saw me stab this man 13 times and they was all point was a point blank range. So, it's like, how could nobody see me stab this man? Because this man was on top of me and I was defending myself and I was not counting the amount of times I was stabbing this man. It was more so like if you put me in the water and I'm trying to track water, I can't swim, but I could tread water. So, I was just kind of like this moving my hand so I could breathe because he was choking me out and I felt like I was going to die once he told me, "Don't you know I'll kill you."
So in that moment it was just like a survival tactic for me and I immediately start praying to God. I was uh just so shocked that it happened and I apologize from the depths of my heart and um it's definitely been eventful and changeful my life.
I just wondered why, you know, in your opening statement, you didn't express any remorse for the victim. And I know you didn't know the victim.
>> Well, yes. I I apologize for that as well. I was just, you know, >> just kind of uh overwhelmed, but again, um I have siblings, brothers and sisters, families. Um 6 months after I was released out of incarceration, um my father passed away. um that was detrimental to me. Um and I just took it upon myself to be uh more of a leader for my community and for my people. Um I went ways to, you know, show my remorse towards the victim, but I don't know the victim. Um never met the victim, but I just knew that this is something that I would never ever want done to me. you know, I want I wouldn't want it done to anybody else. Um, so me being, you know, incarcerated just helped me get closer to God, uh, have a a a conscience on my mind uh, of what's right and what's wrong and wanting to do better by people. And I've also joined uh you know rooms and groups like the NAACP and every single Wednesday I'm on Barber Street and Harford and other communities and I'm physically giving back food to people on a daily b daily daily every Wednesday I'm doing that in the community also. Also, I work at the First Cathedral in Arthur with with the archbishop and I do food drives uh for Christmas and Thanksgiving. We give out turkeys. So, I am definitely hands-on in my community. I love kids. They keep me vibrant and happy and energy. And I feel like with this part, it could just help me um prepare a better life and set an example for people in my community. and >> yeah, >> do what I'm supposed to do.
>> So, um you said you've been clean for over 10 years. How do you do that?
>> Stay clean.
>> Well, in 2006 when I was 19 running around with high school kids and and doing stuff I wasn't supposed to do, I knew that it wasn't me. I've always been into sports. I've always been athletic.
So, what I've been doing is I love to work out. I work out four times a week.
I like to do personal training. I like to read books, self-help books, and I like to, you know, make sure my mentors, Archbishop, Pastor Mike, uh the people that I'm around are super positively uh effective in the community and keep good good peers around me.
>> Are all those pastors at First Cathedral?
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> Okay. So, you were discharged from DOC in March of 2020. You completed um 5 months in the community before you went on probation and then you successfully completed probation.
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> In October of 2023.
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> Right. So, um that's like two and a half years ago.
>> Yes.
>> And I know you've been employed with First Cathedral since 2016.
>> Yes, ma'am.
So the th this person was a neighbor of your aunt?
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> Okay. Is your aunt still living next door to them?
>> No, she's not living next door to them.
And also I'm not even I haven't like I see my aunt probably I don't know maybe like I think I saw her on Easter Sunday uh at church, but I'm not I'm not even around um those people anymore. I don't see them on a day-to-day basis at all. Um, >> and um, I think that's just been working out more for me, just staying up there being >> So, you indicated that you do community work with the NAACP. So, do you know the Hartford president of the NAACP? Is he the one you work with or >> Yes. Corey Betts? He's the vice president of the NAACP. I know him. I'm with him every single Wednesday in the community giving back. So the people the community know me, the the bus drivers know everybody like I'm very very active in my community. Yes, ma'am.
>> Okay, Mr. Walker, I'm going to take your word for that.
>> Yes, ma'am. And I also want to to to put in that I was on pro when I was on probation.
>> Mhm.
>> I completed all my duties within two years, which takes the average felon five. And I've had >> You got early.
>> Yes. And I had my probation officer come in and contest on my behalf. And I filed for a motion on my own behalf. And I've put that aside to me. And I'm really really hoping to start a family of my own. But I have these type of things that I want to have a clear mind so I could do things the right way and set a proper example for my >> Okay.
>> All right. Thank you, Mr. Walker. I appreciate the information.
>> Thank you, Mr. Walker. So, do you work and volunteer at the same church?
>> Yes, ma'am. Yes, I do.
>> All right.
>> Yes, I do.
>> It's a huge church.
>> It's a huge church.
>> Huge.
>> And I love And I love to do it. I love working for the Lord.
>> Yeah. And you say you maintain the property.
>> Absolutely.
>> Which is huge.
>> Absolutely.
>> All right, Mr. Rodriguez.
>> Uh, yeah. I mean, I appreciate your story. I appreciate, you know, you're doing the work that you're doing and it's been 10 years >> at this point. Um, well, you when you said you when you shared your story, you never shared. Did you have a knife?
>> I had a pocket knife in my back pocket that me and my >> You don't remember pulling it out?
>> I do. I remember when I was in a choco, I remember reaching for it in my back left pocket. It was probably about a a knife this big that me and my granddad me and my my granddad he's a uh we go fishing. He just turned 70 nine. He's a >> How did you pull How did you pull a knife out? You were being choked.
>> Okay, I'mma give you I'mma show you. So >> don't you don't have to take a long time. Just show me real quick.
>> So So I'm being choked out, right?
>> Yeah.
>> I got one hand on his arm trying to gas for trying to gasp for air.
>> Yeah.
>> It's too late. I'm getting choked out.
He was like, "Don't you know I kill you?" So I had So once I sacrificed this hand on his arm, once I did that, he's choking me out more. And I knew I had second, second, second seconds second. So I reach around in my back pocket and I'm flipping, but he's on top of me beating me up. So nobody sees this. And nobody sees me stabbed 13 times. Nobody sees this. He's on top of me and I'm literally just in defense mode. And I'm and I'm just going like this. I'm not counting or anything.
I'm just trying to breathe. And the second he got off me, I got the air and I just I was just hop, you know, it was just >> fast. Appreciate I appreciate you telling me that. Thank you. Yes, sir.
>> All right. Yes, >> sir.
>> All right. So, absent objection in the matter of Edward Walker, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Miss Chance, >> I.
>> Mr. Rodriguez, >> I. and the chair votes I. The pardon is granted.
>> Thank you. God bless y'all.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Richard D. Warren. Richard, please state your name for the record.
>> You're still on, Mr. Walker.
>> All right, Mr. Warren, you just need to There you are.
>> Richard Warren.
All right, Richard, if you have a brief statement, you could provide it at this time.
>> Oh, yes. Hold on. Um um good afternoon. Thank you for taking the time out to view my parole.
I have I wanted to take full responsibility in my actions.
I regret the decisions I made in my past. I've been working as a a res a resident aid. I've been a great father to my children, taking care of my family, being a great role model to great role model to others. I ask that you could grant my parole. Allow me.
>> Not all. You're asking for a pardon.
>> Yeah. I'm sorry. Okay.
>> I'm just nervous right now. So, I ask, can you >> make sure we're all in the same hearing?
>> Yes.
allow to pursue my dreams.
Thank you. You're >> welcome, Mr. Warren. All right, so we'll get we'll straighten this out. Okay, so your last conviction was about 13 years ago in 2013. You've been in the community now since 2014.
>> Yes.
>> All right. And you finished your probation period in 2016?
>> Yes. Did you finish it or is that one of your unsatisfactory probations?
>> No, I I have finished it.
>> All right. All right. And how did probation go? Did it help?
>> Yes.
>> How did it help you?
>> Um, it helped me it helped me like basically become a better like it's it put me in some programs. I forgot like what programs I was actually in. But >> think about some of the here, let me help you think about some of what the programs had you do. Were you focused on employment or mental health or anger issues?
>> I was I was basically focused on >> how to make better decisions.
>> Yeah. How how to make better decisions.
>> I was basically focused on how to make better decisions. And I feel like I made way better decisions now. I feel like some of the decisions I made back then I would like I won't make now. I feel like uh some of the decisions I just made I was just a kid just just just trying to become a per like just trying to become a man. I had kids I had kids now. So, I don't I don't think I'll make some of those same decisions.
>> Okay. So, are are you working or are you on workman's comp?
>> I'm working now. I I was >> Yes, I was on work camp because I had fell through the stairs and I had broke my wrist.
>> Oh, okay. All right. And before you were working as a resident assistant for change, where were you working?
Uh I I had started my own I had started my own business like during the co it was like uh I had got like rentals rental stuff like for parties. It was like uh the jumpy houses. Uh I had got a train. I had got a roller spin and things like that.
>> Okay. So you were doing like events with with the these um toy things with jumpers and stuff. Okay.
>> Yes, ma'am. So you you've got you know your charges go back a little ways and you were you were a younger person. You were 25 when you last committed your offense that possession of narcotics and then the violation of probation when you were 19 and the risk of injury that you have that involved being with uh was your girlfriend at the time but she was not of age.
>> Uh yes I I was I was 16 and she was 15.
>> Okay. You still see her?
>> No.
>> No. Okay. All right.
All right. And All right. I don't have any other questions. Um, Mr. Rodriguez, Miss Chance, >> I don't have any questions, ma'am.
>> I don't either, Madam Chair.
>> Okay. All right. Mr. Warren, these charges don't go back a little ways.
Looks like you're in a better place in your life. We appreciate seeing you doing better. So, in the matter of Richard Warren, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Miss Chance >> I, >> Mr. Rodriguez, >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted.
>> Thank you. I really appreciate that.
>> Pardon.
>> Thank you.
>> Next up on the docket, we have Donald L.
Wharton II. Please state your name for the record.
All right, Mr. Wharton, you are on mute.
>> There we go.
>> Oh, and just your camera.
>> Okay. I This is my only my second time I've ever used Zoom, so I'm not exactly sure how to do that.
>> There should be a little like video icon.
>> Yeah, a little picture of a camera.
>> Oh, little camera up at the top. Okay.
>> Yeah.
>> Does it have a line through it?
>> Start my video. start my video, it says.
Oh, there I am.
>> There you go.
>> Sorry about that. I I don't uh I'm I'm not a big Zoom guy. I like I said, this is only my second time ever.
>> Donald, just state your name for the record.
>> Uh Donald Wharton.
>> Uh if you have a brief statement, you could provide it for us at this time.
>> Yes. Yeah. Um well, I appreciate your time uh today. Uh I Well, I used to be a lawyer and I'd like to be a lawyer again. Um I was uh financial considerations drove me to do what I ended up doing. Uh and the guilt and the shame I felt at that time I actually attempted suicide. Uh but I realized after 3 days in a coma when I woke up I needed to change my life. Uh and I uh in the in the decade since I've uh changed uh a lot. I've uh I started out taking therapy while I was in uh before I went away and also since I've been out uh and I continue it today. Uh my therapist was one of the people who submitted a letter for your consideration.
>> Um I've scaled back my living expenses. Uh changed my entire way of thinking. Like I say, after after three days in a coma, I woke up and I realized I had to do things a lot different. Uh, and so that's what I've spent the last decade doing. I've sp I've uh kept my head down and just uh been a good boy.
>> All right. All right. All right. Mr. Rodriguez.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, Mr. Wharton. So, you were incarcerated. You were released in 2017.
You successfully completed your community supervision.
>> Yes. Uh however, your probation which you completed in 2023 was unsatisfactory. Why?
>> Oh, that had to do with the uh >> the restitution.
>> It was it was the rest. Yeah. What happened was uh because I was an attorney. Uh the victims received their money. I believe it was like a month or two after I was sentenced. Uh so they got their money from the client guarantee fund. I was, tell you the truth, was under the impression, having never been through this before, that uh that my restitution I could just pay, keep on paying and paying and paying. Uh but then about four or five months before my 5 years of of probation was up, I found out, no, no, you have to come up withund basically $120,000 in four months. And I didn't have that kind of money at the time. Uh so I was uh I was my viol probation was violated and then I uh actually started talking to people and it took about a year or so I actually uh obtained a loan and was able to pay back the restitution to the state of Connecticut the client guarantee fund. So that was >> 121 paid $121,000.
>> Yes.
>> Yeah.
>> So you so you fully paid your your restitution?
>> Yes. Yeah. Oh yes. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. the clients uh the my former clients, the victims received their money. Uh like I say, within a couple months of me being sentenced and actual, from what I understand, it was while I was in incarcerated. Uh but then uh I paid it back in in was 2022. The case was nollied, which meant I had to wait the 13 months uh before I could even ask for a pardon. And and uh so that's that's why I'm here now.
>> Yeah. Uh >> well, the restitution wasn't paid in full until what? March.
>> Yeah.
>> Of this year.
>> No, it was it was paid uh it was paid in in 2023.
>> Yeah. 2020. Yeah. It was by 23.
>> Yeah.
>> Oh, that was because your probation ended. So that's why my probation got terminated. Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. And that was because of everything else.
>> It's been 12 years. That's such a You had such a position of trust.
Yes. Yeah.
>> You know, and um >> Yeah. That's Yeah. That's Well, that's what actually drove me to attempt suicide is because I realized and I actually said it at the time of my sentencing uh that I had brought shame on myself, my family, and my profession.
>> What drove you what drove you to embezzle the money? I mean, you you said you didn't have any drug problem?
>> No. Yeah. No, it was it was well, I was a real estate lawyer and uh that was the majority of my practice. And in 2008, the wheels fell off the bus. And I had been through real estate recessions before that were a year or two long. Uh in 2006, 2007, I was doing uh and and before that, I was doing 10 12 closings a month. In the year 2009, I did eight closings the entire year.
And it just it it kept on snowballing and snowballing and snowballing. And I I I kept on saying to myself, "Well, I'll I'll I'll use the money, but then when I get this when this person pays me, I'll be able to pay it back."
>> Peter didn't pay.
>> Yeah. Exactly. And it just And it just kept on going and got worse and worse and worse. And that was uh that you know that and then it that like I say, then it got uh the walls started closing in and and it was it was not good. It was and I >> Are you currently employed? Uh well right now I can't obviously I'm not a lawyer. Uh that's one of the reasons why I'm seeing property management.
You have you have your own properties.
>> Yes. Yeah. I I was able to keep uh uh I had I own well I own uh my own house and I had two rental properties. One of which was my real estate was my uh law office. then it has apartments in it and that's so that's what I've been doing the past 10 years to to to but like I say I've scaled back my lifestyle quite substantially so so I don't uh I don't need nearly as much money as I used to to be able to to be able to uh make ends meet.
>> I don't have any additional questions for you Mr. Warden. Thank you very much for answering my questions.
>> Miss Chance >> um Mr. Warren, so how many people were impacted?
>> There was uh was a married couple, one one couple uh and they had they had uh given me the money to try and they they were in foreclosure and they had given me the money to try and get out from underneath the foreclosure and I just dragged things on and on and on and then eventually like I said it it got to the point where I couldn't uh uh I couldn't >> drag it on.
>> Yeah. I could I Yeah, there was there was no and and they went to the police and then I got arrested.
>> Oh, for some reason I thought it was more than one person.
>> No, it's it Well, it's one couple. It was It was their money.
>> Okay. All right. I have no further questions.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. So, do you after if you get a pardon today, do you still have to go before um the the board another board to get your law license reinstated?
>> Yeah, I I've actually done some re and that's one of the reasons why I'm asking for a pardon. I've done some research.
what I have to do is go and take um the the ethics class again uh obviously uh and uh once I pass that I have to take the multi-state professional responsibility exam the MPRE and uh then once that happens then I can apply to be readmitted as an attorney and I go through a whole process with them and then I can be a lawyer again.
>> Okay.
>> All right. Okay. Thank you. Um, panel members, any objections?
>> No, man. Not from me.
>> Miss Chance, you all set?
>> Money is paid back.
>> Yeah.
>> All right. In the matter of Donald, with regard to Donald Wharton, I make a motion to grant a full and absolute pardon. Mr. Rodriguez, >> I.
>> Miss Chance, >> I.
>> And the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Good luck to you, Mr. Wharton.
>> Thank you very much. Thank you.
And last on the docket, we have Derek Arthur Williams.
>> Please state your name for the record.
>> Derek Ar Williams.
>> Derek, if you have a statement, you can provide it for us at this time.
>> Well, I'm from Jamaica. I came here 1971.
I was living in Brooklyn. I went to Irasmos High School. Then I went in the United States Army Reserve.
and I'm seated in America now.
>> All right.
>> Why do you want a pardon?
>> Because things that happen and even right now I have family die in Jamaica. I can't go. If I go, I can't come back. And if I I retire, go back home to Jamaica.
I have so much medical problem which is taking care up here in America because the doctors in America are very good and have diabetic heart problem, kidney problem which I get good treatment here. We don't get that in Jamaica. And it is saying now if you go home back to your country all these years, I don't get no pension, no social security, you know.
>> So, m Mr. Williams, you'd like you're asking for a part for a pardon so that you can travel back and forth to Jamaica. Is that the primary reason?
>> Yes, ma. That's a part of it.
>> Okay. is part of it. Okay.
>> I could go back and forth to come to see my doctors up here.
>> Okay. And you have a long history of employment. I have a note that says you've been working um you were working as a bus monitor for a number of years >> and a machine operator prior to that which you retired from.
>> Yes.
>> Okay.
>> And I worked in construction for 10 years too.
>> Yeah. and your convictions do go back a ways. All right, Miss Chance, Mr. Rodriguez, do you have any questions for Mr. Williams who's last on our docket today? The patient.
>> So, Mr. Williams um has an assault third charge where he stabs someone and then he has a lararseny second.
Um so he he served two years in the Army Reserve. He was employed at um Sikarsski as a machine operator and 10 years as a laborer with a labor union where he retired in 2021.
>> Um it would have helped Mr. Williams if you had just expressed some remorse for the harm you caused to the victims.
I understand why you need a pardon um so that you can go back and forth to visit your family in Jamaica, but you first have to deal with, you know, the serious charges that you have.
Um >> Yes, I'm hearing you, ma'am. Yes.
>> Yeah.
So, I hope you can have some consideration for the person that you stabbed >> and say you're sorry.
>> What happened?
He came is another Jamaican guy. He borrowed $2500 from me. He told me I will get it back in three weeks time and it running up into four months. I went to his house and he was upset because I came to his house for my money. So he take a knife and cut me my back. So I run to my car and took out my machete and I cut him up.
>> Yeah.
>> The the reason why I never go to prison is because the witness that give the cops what happened that he's the first one caught me.
Yeah. But you know, Mr. Williams, just because someone does something to you doesn't mean that you have to go back.
What happened is you reported to the police, right?
>> Yes, please. But I don't cut you. I did not go back. I went to his house for my money. My car was parked at his >> I'm not talking about the money. I'm talking about the fact when he cut you, your job is to go to the police and report it. not go to your car and get your machete and and and and >> Yeah, because after he after he cut me, I run. So, he was running me down.
>> Okay.
>> All right. I'm all set, Madame Chair.
>> Thank you, Miss Chance. I mean, the charges do go back a ways. I agree with Miss Chance. It's very serious offense and obviously Mr. Williams did not manage that situation in a civil civil way. Uh but he is had a long career of employment and um >> 18 years has he committed anything else?
>> Yeah. And I would be in favor of granting his pardon today.
>> Yeah. So would I.
>> Okay. So in the matter of Derek Williams, I move to grant a full and absolute pardon. Miss Chance >> I.
>> Mr. Rodriguez, >> I I >> and the chair votes I. The pardon is granted. Congratulations, Mr. Williams.
>> Thank you very much. May God bless you to continue do a good work. Bish.
>> Thank you.
>> Okay, sir.
>> Thank you.
This now concludes the May 6 to 2026
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