NEW YORK- This week the New York State Parole Board will decide whether Judy Clark, who is serving a life sentence for her role in a robbery, will be released from custody. The following statement is attributable to the New York Civil Liberties Union executive director Donna Lieberman:
“New York’s second-longest serving incarcerated woman in the state will turn 70 this year. Judy Clark has spent more than half of her life in jail for her part in a crime committed almost four decades ago. Although she was the getaway driver and not at the scene of the crime, Judy was sentenced to die in prison. Since being incarcerated, she has expressed deep remorse for her role and used every opportunity to better herself and those around her.
“In 2016, citing her exceptional strides in self-development, Governor Cuomo commuted Judy’s sentence, making her eligible for parole. Since then, over 2,000 people, including members of law enforcement, elected officials, and former district attorneys have called for Judy’s release.
“Our correctional system does not exist to punish people, and the fundamental premise of our parole system is to give people the opportunity to repair their lives. The parole board has an opportunity to deliver an important message to the entire country this week that New York stands for justice and recognizes that incarcerated people should be given a chance society.”
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