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Hochul Issues Pardons for 13 Individuals, Including Manslaughter Convict

  • Writer: Niagara Action
    Niagara Action
  • 55 minutes ago
  • 2 min read

Hochul Issues Pardons for 13 Individuals, Including Manslaughter Convict


Governor Kathy Hochul has granted pardons to 13 New Yorkers, a group that includes individuals previously convicted of manslaughter, arson, robbery, and drug-related crimes. The clemency decisions came following recommendations from the state’s Clemency Advisory Panel.


“When I took office, I pledged to reform the clemency process by bringing greater transparency and expert analysis to each case that comes before my desk,” Hochul said in a statement. “After careful deliberation, I’m granting clemency to thirteen individuals who have demonstrated remorse for their actions and exemplify a commitment to bettering their communities.”



According to the Governor’s office, the majority of the pardons were tied to past drug offenses, though one recipient was convicted of manslaughter and others for violent or property crimes.


The individuals pardoned are:


-Sammy Vatthanavong (52) – Convicted of Manslaughter in the First Degree in 1990.

-Theodore Goodman (43) – Arrested in 2003 for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree.




-Hansel Dorsey, (64) – Convicted of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree in 1991 and Attempted Possession in 1988.


-Maryann Smith-Jackson, (65) – Found guilty of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in 1989.


-Stephen Gary, (56) – Convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in 1993.


-Ernesto Muñoz, (58) – Convicted in 2005 of Attempted Possession in the Third Degree and Criminal Sale in the Fifth Degree.


-Frank Merola, (52) – Convicted in 1997 of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree.



-Ruben Abreu, (61) – Found guilty of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in 2001 and Bail Jumping in the First Degree.


-Jimmy Jean-Baptiste, (42) – Convicted of Arson in the Fourth Degree in 2008.


-Giovanni Ordonez, (60) – Convicted of Attempted Robbery in the Third Degree in 1988 and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the First Degree in 1986.


-Hector Zelaya Quinonez, (65) – Convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in 1984 and Criminal Mischief in 1986.


-Susannah Morgan-Thomas, (60) – Found guilty of Assault in the Third Degree in 1989.


-Zhi Yong Yu, (49) – Convicted of Robbery in the Second Degree in 1992.



“These individuals who have been granted a pardon have all lived crime-free lives for a significant period of time, and in many cases several decades, and have demonstrated positive contributions to their communities,” Hochul’s office stated. “These individuals receiving pardons have continued to have their lives impacted by their criminal convictions. The Governor’s pardons will help alleviate these challenges.”


To date, Governor Hochul has granted 107 acts of clemency during her time in office.



Hochul Issues Pardons for 13 Individuals, Including Manslaughter Convict



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