Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles grants pardons to dozens of applicants; some decisions tentative

HARTFORD, Conn. — The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles tentatively granted absolute pardons to dozens of applicants at an Aug. 12 virtual hearing, with board members citing applicants’ rehabilitation, steady employment and community service while noting several files that prompted tougher questioning and a small number of continuances.

At the start of the session Chair Jennifer Medina Zaccagnini reminded applicants that pardons are granted only after review and that any pardon the board votes to grant is tentative until record checks are completed and the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification confirms the clearing of criminal history. “The board may grant an absolute pardon or a certificate of employability,” she said during opening remarks.

Why it matters: Pardons erase a state conviction from public records once state checks are complete and a certificate is mailed, removing a legal barrier to some jobs, housing and licensing. The board held live hearings on dozens of individual applications and issued immediate rulings in most cases; the board noted that applicants will receive an email or letter with the decision and that the record-clearing process can take up to roughly 10 weeks.

What the board decided: By the end of the session the board recorded the grant of absolute pardons for many applicants who appeared in person or by counsel. The panel emphasized factors it routinely weighs: the seriousness of the original offense, time elapsed since the offense, evidence of rehabilitation, employment and community ties, and any victim impact. In several files members pressed applicants on gaps or inconsistencies in their applications before voting.

Notable items and contested moments: - Alan Duverger: The board granted an absolute pardon by majority vote despite a detailed written victim statement read into the record by the Office of Victim Services describing lasting trauma and property damage. Board member Raffaro Berry recorded a dissent on that motion; Chair Jennifer Medina Zaccagnini and Board member Nancy Turner voted to grant. The victim statement said the family had to move out temporarily, replace damaged furnishings and pay for therapy and a security system. - Several applicants won pardons after board members cited sustained sobriety and long-term employment or volunteer work: examples include applicants who described steady jobs in health care or social services and ongoing community volunteering. - Two matters were continued: the board continued the application of Yvette Melina Rivera to a September docket; another applicant, Julie Schiavo, was also continued.

Votes at a glance (selected — each line lists the applicant and the hearing outcome as recorded at the session): Jordan Anthony Velez — Granted (decision announced at hearing; written notice to follow). Angel Luis Lopez — Granted (decision by majority; recorded vote: majority; one member recorded dissent in transcript). Omar (El) Nieto/El Zate Nieto — Granted. Kelly Lynn Gay — Granted. Paris Jacqueline Gilbert — Granted. Michael Anthony Godden — Granted. Theodore Ralph Mitchell III — Granted. Eugene Charles Sterling — Granted. Frank Joseph Totilo Jr. — Granted. Alan Jean Duverger — Granted by majority; recorded dissent by Board member Raffaro Berry; Chair Jennifer Medina Zaccagnini and Board member Nancy Turner voted to grant. John Albert Andrews — Granted. Jasmine Jade Bryant — Granted. Timothy (Bice) — Granted. Marlon Jibreel Carter — Granted. Karen M. Clark — Granted. Paul Sinkovic (Sincovic) — Granted. Eduardo Cruz — Granted. Rosa I. Diaz — Granted. David Dixon Jr. — Granted. Rosa Domingo Galarza — Granted. Edward Leon Geyer — Granted. Tyrone Lamar Knight Sr. — Granted. Mark Lierz — Granted. Michelle F. Langley — Granted. Veronica Elise Lifflin — Granted (she reported finishing an LPN program and passing her NCLEX at the hearing). Kevin Allen McCormick — Granted. Pedro Pierre — Granted. Orlando Rivera — Granted. Jason L. Sutherland Sr. — Granted. Justin Tano — Granted. Michael James Wagner — Granted. Quentin Deandre White — Granted. (Several additional pardons were recorded during the long docket; two matters were continued to a September docket.)

Process and next steps: Chair Zaccagnini and staff told applicants that grants are tentative until final computerized checks are complete, and that the board will not assume a record is erased until the applicant receives a mailed certificate. Staff said results are posted to the board’s website within 48 hours and that applicants will receive an email or letter within about one week. The chair reiterated that a pardon is not a finding of innocence but an act of clemency intended to remove legal obstacles created by a conviction.

What to watch next: A small number of continuances were scheduled for a September docket, and the board will complete state record checks before issuing final certificates. Victim input and any post-hearing information disclosed to the board could affect final clearance in individual cases.

The hearing lasted several hours; board members and staff heard applicant statements, attorney remarks and victim statements in person and by interpreter before returning rulings for each docketed case.

Notes: The session was live-streamed on CTN and the board’s website.