Political leaders call for release of deadly Brinks robbery convict
Judith Clark's mug shot
New York Post
By Carl Campanile
A coalition of New York City political leaders is urging the New York State Parole Board to release Judith Clark, the former Weather Underground radical convicted for her role in the infamous 1981 Brinks robbery in which two Nyack police officers and an armored truck driver were killed.
In a controversial move, Gov. Cuomo commuted Clark’s sentence, saying she has been a model prisoner during her 35 years in the slammer.
The Parole Board has final say in the matter.
With her Parole Board hearing approaching, opponents dropped off petitions signed by 10,000 people — including many in law enforcement — saying Clark, 67, should be kept behind bars.
But in a letter obtained by The Post, supporters of Clark said she has served a lengthy sentence and is rehabilitated person who poses no danger to the public.
“Judith Clark is the poster child for clemency. If she is not worthy, no one is,” said Allen Roskoff, head of the Jim Owles liberal Democratic Club in Chelsea who organized the letter writing campaign.
“No doubt parole in some cases will cause great pain to victims and their families. But where appropriate — meaning where there has been ample punishment, overwhelming proof of rehabilitation, acceptance of responsibility and genuine remorse — the door of mercy must remain open,” supporters said in a letter to the Parole Board.
Among the signers are eight members of the city’s congressional delegation — Adriano Espaillat, Hakeem Jeffries, Carolyn Maloney, Greg Meeks, Grace Meng, Jerrold Nadler, Jose Serrano and Nydia Velazquez.
Other signing the letter include former Mayor David Dinkins, city Comptroller Scott Stringer and Public Advocate Letitia James, Manhattan Democratic Party leader Keith Wright and Brooklyn Democratic Party chairman Frank Seddio.
Members of the Parole Board are appointed by the governor.
Cuomo personally visited Clark in Bedford Hills prison last year before considering her clemency bid.
On Oct. 14, 1983, she was convicted of murder in the second degree and robbery in the first degree in Rockland County for driving the getaway vehicle in the armed car robbery.
At the time of her sentencing, the judge said Clark was incorrigible and showed no remorse.
“Ms. Clarke proved the judge wrong and has evolved into a caring and profoundly remorseful woman,” the letter said.