Governor Hochul Grants Clemency to Six Individuals

Governor Kathy Hochul today granted clemency in the form of a pardon to six individuals. This action recognizes people who have demonstrated remorse, exemplified rehabilitation and displayed a commitment to improving themselves and their communities. After implementing procedural reforms to strengthen the clemency process, Governor Hochul has made a total of 145 grants of clemency during her time in office, which include 125 pardons and 20 commutations.

"As Governor, I remain committed to reforming the clemency process and ensuring each application is thoroughly reviewed and individuals receive timely notifications regarding their case status," Governor Hochul said. "Today, I am granting clemency to six individuals who have displayed positive changes in their lives and will dedicate themselves to bettering their communities - they earned their second chance through rehabilitation and can now establish their futures once again."

The Governor's Office has taken a number of steps to improve transparency and communication in the clemency process. The Executive Clemency Bureau has implemented a policy of sending regular letters to individuals with clemency applications, informing them of their case status, and providing information about how to submit supplemental information in support of their applications. The Governor's Office also launched an updated online web hub to assist clemency applicants with the application process; this hub includes template clemency application forms to provide prospective applicants with improved guidance about what information to include when they apply.

The Governor also convened a Clemency Advisory Panel composed of impartial experts to assist in advising the Governor on clemency applications. Following recommendations from the Clemency Advisory Panel, Governor Hochul is granting clemency in the form of a pardon to six individuals.

Pardons

Individuals receiving a pardon today have lived crime-free lives for a significant period of time and have made positive contributions to their communities. All pardon recipients continue to be negatively impacted by their criminal conviction(s) despite having successfully served their sentence(s) many years ago. The Governor's pardons will help alleviate these burdens.

Sae Joon Park, 57, was convicted of Bail Jumping in the Second Degree in 2009 and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in 2007.

Kile Jackson, 54, was convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in 1992.

Angela Walder-Tuckett, 62, was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree in 1989.

Heriberto Atiles, 61, was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Loaded Firearm in the Third Degree in 1986.

Keisy Guerrero Mariano, 38, was convicted of Assault in the Second Degree in 2015.

Paul Koopman, 62, was convicted of Driving While Intoxicated in 1995.