Staff Report / August 17, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul granted clemency on Friday, pardoning 13 individuals who, according to her office, have shown remorse, embraced rehabilitation, and committed themselves to strengthening their communities.
The Governor’s office stated that these pardons reflect her ongoing effort to reform and modernize the clemency process. Since taking office, Hochul has granted a total of 107 clemency applications.
“When I took office, I pledged to reform the clemency process by bringing greater transparency and expert analysis to each case that comes before my desk,” Hochul said. “After careful deliberation, I’m granting clemency to thirteen individuals who have demonstrated remorse for their actions and exemplify a commitment to bettering their communities.”
As part of her reforms, Hochul established a Clemency Advisory Panel made up of impartial experts who review cases and provide recommendations. Based on the panel’s input, the Governor moved forward with the most recent pardons.
The Pardons
Each of the recipients has maintained a crime-free record for many years, some for several decades, while contributing positively to their communities. In several cases, the individuals have since moved out of New York but continue to face challenges tied to their convictions. The pardons, officials said, are intended to remove those barriers.
The individuals granted clemency are:
- Theodore Goodman, 43 – Convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree (2003).
- Hansel Dorsey, 64 – Convicted of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (1991) and Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree (1988).
- Maryann Smith-Jackson, 65 – Convicted of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (1989).
- Stephen Gary, 56 – Convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (1993).
- Ernesto Muñoz, 58 – Convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree (2005).
- Frank Merola, 52 – Convicted of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (1997).
- Ruben Abreu, 61 – Convicted of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (2001) and Bail Jumping in the First Degree.
- Jimmy Jean-Baptiste, 42 – Convicted of Arson in the Fourth Degree (2008).
- Giovanni Ordonez, 60 – Convicted of Attempted Robbery in the Third Degree (1988) and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the First Degree (1986).
- Hector Zelaya Quinonez, 65 – Convicted of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree (1986) and Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (1984).
- Susannah Morgan-Thomas, 60 – Convicted of Assault in the Third Degree (1989).
- Zhi Yong Yu, 49 – Convicted of Robbery in the Second Degree (1992).
- Sammy Vatthanavong, 52 – Convicted of Manslaughter in the First Degree (1990).
