SENATOR BRAD HOYLMAN REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR GOVERNOR CUOMO’S COMMUTATION OF JUDITH CLARK'S SENTENCE
January 10, 2017
Hoylman: In her multitude of good works, compassion for fellow prisoners, and exemplary record of self-improvement, Judith Clark has proven that rehabilitation is indeed possible. Governor Cuomo’s sentence commutation is a sterling example of how our criminal justice system should work.”
NEW YORK – State Senator Brad Hoylman (D, WF-Manhattan) released the following statement today reaffirming his support for Governor Cuomo’s executive action commuting the sentence of Judith Clark, who was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree and Robbery in the First Degree in Rockland County for driving the getaway vehicle in a 1981 Brinks armored car robbery.
Sentenced to 75 years to life in 1983, Judith Clark received one of the longest sentences of her six co-defendants, matching the sentence of one of the shooters. As an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women over the past 35 years Clark earned a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, a master’s in psychology, and amassed an impressive record of good works including developing Bedford’s first AIDS counseling program.
Governor Cuomo’s December 30 commutation reduced Clark’s sentence to 35 years to life, making her eligible for parole this year.
State Senator Brad Hoylman said: "Having served more than 35 years of a 75 years to life sentence, Judith Clark has become a model inmate and a deserving candidate for Governor Cuomo’s executive action. I heartily applaud Governor Cuomo for granting this commutation, allowing Judith Clark to appear before the Board of Parole.
“I first met Judith at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women when I was a law student working on clemency cases and once again when I was first elected to the Senate four years ago. I was deeply moved by the extent of her personal redemption and the widespread support for her clemency, both from within and without the criminal justice system. Through her multitude of good works, compassion for fellow prisoners, and exemplary record of self-improvement, Judith has proven that rehabilitation is indeed possible. Governor Cuomo’s sentence commutation is a sterling example of how our criminal justice system should work."
Longtime supporters of Clark’s clemency include Elaine Lord, former superintendent of Bedford Hills, as well as Robert Dennison, Chairman of the Parole Board under former Governor George Pataki.
