Politics on the Hudson

Governor Paterson today announced that he has commuted the sentences of two New York state inmates, Joanne Carroll, 43, of Staten Island, and Freddie Warren, 56, of Suffolk County.

He said they have requested their release and have “dedicated themselves to becoming productive members of society by excelling in education, vocational, and volunteer programs.”

Paterson’s news release stressed that Inmates whose sentences are commuted are not automatically released. They still have to get approval from the state Parole Board, which in these cases will happen next month. And parole violations could land them back in jail.

Paterson’s office recceived more than 450 applications for clemency, but more than half didn’t meet the eligibility requirements. And while commuted sentences of inmates are mainly given to inmates serving lengthy sentences for drug convictions, few of the eligible inmates applying for clemency this year were serving drug sentences, Paterson said.

Warren was serving 20 years to life on a drug charge, while Carroll was serving up to 15 years for a robbery charge.

Here’s the rest of the press release about them.

Freddie Warren, 56, of Wyandanch, was sentenced on July 11, 1990, in Suffolk County following his conviction of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. He was sentenced as a persistent felon to 20 years to life in prison, and is eligible for parole release on June 20, 2009. Mr. Warren’s criminal conduct was fueled by his drug addiction and since his incarceration he has successfully completed substance abuse treatment programs and currently participates in a Narcotics Anonymous program. He has also completed over 400 hours of study of American Sign Language and for more than 10 years has assisted the Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) with the intake, classification and medical needs of inmates with hearing impairments, including acting as a sign language interpreter and guide for inmates with visual impairments. He also completed over 250 hours of training in HIV/AIDS counseling, almost 200 hours of training for the Inmate Program Associate Program and numerous vocational training courses and programs. As a result of his good behavior and excellent programming, Mr. Warren has earned the support of DOCS staff members, including his facility Superintendent. The Suffolk County District Attorney does not oppose his release. Mr. Warren served more than 19 years of his minimum sentences. Upon his release, he will live with his wife.

Joanne Carroll, 43, of Staten Island, was sentenced on February 9, 2001, in Chenango County following her conviction of Robbery in the First Degree. She received a sentence of 15 years with five years of post-release supervision and was scheduled to become eligible for conditional release to parole supervision on June 2, 2013. She has had no disciplinary infractions during her imprisonment and has expressed remorse for her crime. Ms. Carroll had a troubled childhood, which led her to drug addiction at a young age and repeated involvement in abusive relationships. She has made tremendous achievements while incarcerated, including earning an Associate of Arts Degree and a Bachelors Degree, where she was also her class valedictorian. Ms. Carroll also completed substance abuse and anti-violence programs, trained service dogs for persons with disabilities and worked as an Inmate Program Associate at the Parenting Center in Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Ms. Carroll has received strong praise from DOCS staff and others for her educational achievements and behavior while incarcerated. The sentencing judge strongly supports her release based on her demonstrated rehabilitation and the Chenango County District Attorney does not oppose clemency. Ms. Carroll has served more than eight-and-a-half years of her sentence. Upon release, she will live with her daughter and granddaughter.

The Governor has broad authority to grant clemency, which may include a pardon, a reprieve or a commutation of an inmate’s sentence. He will again consider granting clemency at any time of the year for a deserving applicant who meets eligibility criteria.more->

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