Governor Kathy Hochul has granted clemency to 13 individuals, including 11 pardons and two commutations. This move is part of her administration’s ongoing efforts to reform the clemency process in New York State. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has issued a total of 120 grants of clemency.
“After thoughtful consideration and analysis by a panel of independent experts, I am granting clemency to 13 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation and improvement in themselves and their communities,” Governor Hochul said. “Since taking office, my Administration has made significant changes to New York’s clemency program to make the process more effective, fair, and transparent, and I remain committed to working with law enforcement, victims’ rights groups, prosecutors and reform advocates to ensure a fair and responsible clemency process for all individuals seeking relief in New York.”
The Governor’s Office has introduced several measures aimed at increasing transparency within the clemency process. The Executive Clemency Bureau now sends regular updates to applicants about their case status and provides guidance on submitting additional information. An updated online web hub offers template application forms to help applicants understand what information they should include.
A Clemency Advisory Panel made up of impartial experts was also established to advise the Governor on applications for clemency. The current grants follow recommendations from this panel.
The individuals receiving pardons have lived without criminal convictions for many years—often over 25—and have contributed positively to their communities. Some recipients no longer reside in New York but continue to face challenges due to past convictions.
Those granted pardons include Peter Asan (convicted of attempted robbery in 1989), Rolando Perdomo (assault in 1988; drug offenses in 1985), Vivian Jackson (multiple drug-related offenses between 1992-1999), Dolly Castrillon (drug offense in 1996), Jawid Naim (robbery in 1995), Michael Elias (drug and weapon offenses in 1988), Sixto Carrasquillo Jr. (weapon offense in 1988), Edwin Buxo (drug offense in 1997), Denise De Simone Fierro (drug sales in 1987), Dr. Eduardo Rocha (drug possession in 1986), and Ruben Lindo (grand larceny in 2007 and 2012).
Commutations were granted to Terrance Cole and Raphael Jackson. Cole, a U.S. Air Force veteran convicted of burglary charges stemming from substance abuse issues, has served over eleven years of a twenty-year-to-life sentence. His sentence is being reduced so he can appear before the Board of Parole earlier than scheduled.
Raphael Jackson was convicted on weapons charges as a persistent offender after struggling with addiction that began during his teenage years following experiences with domestic violence. He has served more than ten years without disciplinary infractions while assisting others as a Chaplain’s clerk and law library clerk during his incarceration. His commutation will also allow an earlier parole hearing.
These actions reflect procedural reforms intended by the Hochul administration to improve fairness and effectiveness within New York’s clemency system.
