San Francisco’s DA Brink’s thief father among six received Cuomo’s mercy

Outgoing New York Governor Andrew Cuomo marked his last day in office on Monday by granting four commutes and one pardon. He also applied to the parole board for a 76-year-old man for his role in Brink’s armored car theft in 1981.

David Gilbert, a Weather Underground member who was convicted of three counts of second degree murder and four counts of first degree theft for his role in the crime that resulted in the death of Police Sergeant Nyack. Edward O’Grady, Officer Waverly Brown and Brink’s guard Peter Paige. He was serving a 75-year life sentence without the possibility of parole until 2056.

Gilbert’s son, San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, had pressured Cuomo for his release.

Boudin’s mother, Kathy, also participated in the robbery. She pleaded guilty to murder and robbery charges and was paroled in 2003.

In his announcement, Cuomo said Gilbert would be referred to the Parole Board for potential release and praised his “significant contributions to AIDS education and prevention programs” as well as his work as a “student tutor, law library clerk, paralegal assistant, professor help, and help with various additional facility programs.

Cuomo ordered the release of four other prisoners, including Paul Mingo, 68, who was sentenced in 1983 to 50 life for the robbery and murder of a Queens couple in 1980. Mingo’s family s ‘had long vouched for his innocence, attributing his conviction to inadequate legal representation. The future former governor praised Mingo as a “dedicated and respected peer counselor” who had obtained his GED and became a certified paralegal.

Another leniency recipient was Robert Ehrenberg, 62, who was sentenced to 50 life after killing a man in a robbery in 1992. Cuomo’s announcement noted that Ehrenberg had obtained his graduated from college in prison and praised his volunteer work for charity.

The fourth beneficiary of the switch was Ulysses Boyd, 66, who was convicted of second degree murder in connection with a 1986 murder at a Harlem crack house. The fifth was Paul Clark, 59, convicted of second degree murder, attempted murder and possession of weapons after shooting and killing a 17-year-old at a block party near his Brooklyn home. in 1980.

Clark was later convicted of murder and attempted robbery of a taxi driver the same year, but denied responsibility and requested a new trial in that case after it was revealed he had been arrested. by famous NYPD detective Stephen Carracappa, who moonlighted as a mafia. hitman.

Cuomo also pardoned Lawrence Penn III, the founder of private equity firm Camelot Acquisitions, who served two years in prison after pleading guilty in 2015 to stealing more than $ 9 million from investors.

“The march towards a fairer, more equitable and more empathetic New York State is a long one, but every step forward we can take is worth it and is important,” Cuomo said in a statement. “These mercies clearly show the power of redemption, encourage those who have made mistakes to engage in meaningful rehabilitation, and show New Yorkers that we can work for a better future. I thank all the volunteer lawyers representing the pardon seekers for their dedication and service to justice. “

In total, Cuomo granted 41 requests for clemency during his 10-plus years in office. Advocates called on his successor, Kathy Hochul, to step up the pace.

“As our hearts break for those who did not receive good news today, we are doubling down on our commitment to continue fighting for their freedom,” said Jose Saldana, campaign director for the Release of the Elderly in Prison , in a press release. “Despite what happened tonight, the fact remains that the new Governor Kathy Hochul will inherit an indefensible and brutal prison system and we hope that she will lead our state towards a more humane justice system for marginalized New Yorkers using his powers of clemency and advocating for parole reform.

Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) lambasted the governor’s orders, tweeting that Cuomo “left more farewell gifts for New Yorkers… the release of 5 more murderers on our streets.”

Last week, Cuomo granted clemency and pardon to 10 convicted felons, three of whom were jailed for murder. He announced his resignation on August 10 after a report released by the state attorney general’s office showed that he sexually harassed 11 women – including nine current or former state employees – in violation of the law. federal and state law.