Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. Photo Credit: GOV'T HOUSE
In a move aimed at providing opportunities for individuals who have shown personal growth and change, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on Friday announced that he has granted clemency to seven individuals, issuing pardons to six and commuting the sentence of one.
Among those receiving clemency is Troy Patterson, aged 55, who had been arrested in 2019 and later pleaded guilty to federal charges related to firearm possession during a drug trafficking offense and unlawful use of a utility under Virgin Islands law. Patterson received a five-year sentence for the federal offense and four months for the local offense.
After serving four years in federal prison with an exemplary record, Patterson was allowed to return to the U.S. Virgin Islands to complete his federal sentence under home confinement. He was scheduled to report to the Bureau of Corrections to serve the remainder of his local conviction. Governor Bryan has commuted Patterson's four-month local sentence, allowing him to continue working and maintain the progress he has made since his release.
Governor Bryan expressed his reasoning, stating, "Mr. Patterson has expressed remorse for his actions and has served significant time in federal prison for his offenses, and the ends of justice have been achieved. It is appropriate to grant him a commutation of the final four months of his sentence so that he may continue his employment and the excellent readjustment he has begun."
Additionally, Mr. Bryan granted pardons to the following individuals:
-
Irma C. George, aged 69, a former law enforcement officer who was convicted in 1999 of embezzlement. She was sentenced to a two-year probationary period and restitution, which was discharged on January 14, 2004.
-
Delano Sukuma Hunte, aged 70, who was convicted in 1990 of possession of a controlled substance. He received six months of probation and has fulfilled his obligations.
-
Lisimba Kitwana, aged 66, convicted in 1982 of possession of an unlicensed firearm, served ten months of incarceration with four months suspended, along with one year of supervised probation.
-
Jean Greaux Gonzalez, aged 62, convicted of third-degree assault in 1986, received six months of incarceration suspended, three years of supervised probation, and 80 hours of community service.
-
Ashwin R. Chugani, aged 34, convicted in 2014 of interfering with an officer and possession of an unlicensed firearm. He served concurrent one-year sentences for both offenses, discharged from his sentence on September 10, 2014.
-
Patricio Donastorg Buncome, aged 28, pleaded guilty in 2014 to unauthorized possession of a firearm, served his time, and was discharged in August of 2014.
These actions offer a fresh start and a second chance to those seeking to progress in their personal and professional lives, according to the governor.
Advertisements
