Senator Gallivan Issues Statement on the Arrest of Richard LaBarbera for Violating Parole

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) issued the following statement on the arrest of Richard LaBarbera for violating the conditions of his parole.  LaBarbera, who was convicted in the 1980 murder of a 16-year-old girl in Rockland County, was released from prison earlier this month and sent to Erie County where he was arrested this week.      

“In less than 3 weeks, Richard LaBarbera proved, yet again, that he is not capable of leading a law-abiding life.  LaBarbera, who brutally murdered 16-year-old Paula Bohovesky in 1980 while on parole for another crime, was arrested for violating parole just weeks after his July 8 release from prison.

Despite LaBarbera’s prior record on parole and scant evidence that he had the ability to follow the laws of society, the Parole Board released him.  This undeniably wrongful release, be it poor judgement or willful and intentional ignorance of the law, calls into question the judgement of those members of the Parole Board who voted to release LaBarbera and their ability to properly fulfill their duties.

I call on Governor Cuomo to investigate these members, examine their record and remove them if it is demonstrated that they are not fulfilling their statutory responsibilities to the citizens of New York State.”

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