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Board grants pardons to dozens, continues several cases and denies three applications
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Summary
At its Sept. 9, 2025 virtual hearing the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles granted pardons to the majority of applicants on the docket, continued a small number of cases and denied three high-profile requests; the board recorded votes and reasons on the public record.
What happened: The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles held an absolute-pardon session by video conference on Sept. 9, 2025. Over the course of the day the board granted full and absolute pardons to the majority of applicants on the docket, continued several cases to future dockets, and denied three applications.
Why it matters: Pardons erase or forgive a conviction under state law and can affect job prospects, licensing and immigration sponsorship; the board’s votes are therefore of direct consequence to applicants and, in some cases, to victims and community partners.
Votes at a glance (selected applicants and outcomes) - Michael Charles Bonajito III — Granted (motion passed; chair called the vote) - Raymond Dawson — Granted - Michael Paul Decipio — Granted - Joshua Levix — Granted (majority; one commissioner recorded a nay) - Javier Ramos — Granted - Fernando Ruiz Acevedo — Continued to 2025-10-07 (motion to continue recorded) - Deanna Salter — Continued to 2025-10-07 - Sandra Torello Manassian — Granted - Morris Trent Jr. — Granted - Clifford Yeske Jr. — Granted - Michael Joseph Dean — Granted - Gabriel Otero — Granted - Joshua Vincent Lacombe — Granted - William Barrett — Granted - Chesirety (Chesirety) Boykin — Granted - Fazida Hassan Lofgren — Continued to 2025-10-01 - Jose Gonzalez — Granted - Jessica Jacobs — Granted - Marvin Samuel — Granted - Jose Sanchez Jr. — Granted - Rafiki (Rafiki John) Tartisi — Granted - Erling Velasquez — Granted - Luis (Louis) Aguilar — Granted - Jose Berrios — Denied (board cited victim impact; denial recorded by majority vote) - Nelson Collazo Bermudez — Granted (minority dissent recorded) - George Gomez Sr. — Granted - Robert Meibane Sr. — Granted - Gabriel/Edgar Torres — Granted - Orlando Austin Strong — Granted - Anthony Bell — Granted - Mark Charlegio — Granted - Yahaira Crespo — Granted - Corey Davis — Granted - Miguel Hudson — Granted - William Jensen — Granted - Raymond Lamprid — Granted - Daniel Lennon — Granted - Nicole Lynn — Granted - Greg Moffett Hellman — Granted - Jessica Rapuano — Denied (board majority; chair recorded opposing vote) - Lakeisha Rowe Dickinson — Granted - Bobby Ruff — Granted - Kevin Santiago — Granted
Votes, motions and records: The chair moved most motions and board members recorded votes aloud on the record. Where a recorded nay or abstention occurred, it is noted above. For items the board continued, staff set the next hearing date on the record and noted administrative follow-up (records checks, additional submissions).
Notable denials and continuances: Three denials drew extended comment from board members and from victims or victim representatives: the board denied the applications of Jennifer Helmedek, Jose Berrios and Jessica Rapuano (each decision and the principal rationale were entered into the public minutes). Several other applications were continued to allow additional records checks or more time for applicants to provide supporting materials.
How the board reached decisions: Commissioners said they weighed the nature and seriousness of the crimes, victim impact, time elapsed since the offenses and applicants’ rehabilitation. Several commissioners explicitly asked for more evidence of community service in cases where victims or family members testified that harm remained unresolved.
What applicants were told next: Applicants received on-the-record notice of the board’s decisions and were told how to obtain the board’s written reasons and how to reapply or supply follow-up materials for continued cases. The board’s rules and usual timeline for certificate issuance and record processing were reiterated by staff.
Speakers and process: The hearing was presided over by Deborah Smith Palmeri and included commissioners Joy Chance, Sergio Rodriguez, Michael Pohl, Faro Berry and Robert Cizaskas; hearings staff and victim-services representatives were present. The board read motions aloud, recorded votes on the public record, and posted decisions to the board website per standard practice.
Ending: The board will post dispositions and next-docket scheduling on its website. Applicants who were denied or continued were given the statutory information on reapplication and follow-up steps.
Speakers (selected): Deborah Smith Palmeri, presiding chair; Joy Chance, Commissioner; Sergio Rodriguez, Commissioner; parole officer Bryant (hearing coordinator); Office of Victim Services (De Jesus); and counsel or applicants as listed in the transcript.
Notes: This roundup lists final outcomes recorded during the Sept. 9 hearing. For contested denials, the board’s written minutes include additional rationale and are the authoritative record for legal or review purposes.
