A recent Advocate column cites the case of Henry "Hank" Morris to criticize the Board of Parole. Mr. Morris is a disgraced former aide to the state comptroller convicted for his involvement in a scheme to scam the state pension fund for at least $19 million. He was convicted and sentenced in 2011 to one and a third to four years in prison.
Mr. Morris met but was denied release by the board, a fact cited in the column as evidence Mr. Morris is not getting a "fair shake" and that the board is breaking the law. The column cites as justifications for Mr. Morris' release that he has paid back the $19 million, is a model inmate and, according to a corrections' report, is unlikely to re-offend.
I find the column curious, if not offensive, particularly in light of the mess of public corruption that pervades Albany.
When, and more importantly, why, does an individual like Mr. Morris, who was convicted of felony securities fraud, begin to be looked upon as a "victim," as this column seems to have done. He was a well-connected individual who chose to violate the public trust and the previous decision of the Board of Parole was well deserved.
John Lowrey
Delmar