Hochul pardons 13 people, including 3 convicted of crimes on Long Island

Gov. Kathy Hochul granted pardons to 13 people, including three convicted of crimes in Nassau and Suffolk, who demonstrated remorse, exemplified rehabilitation and showed a commitment to improving themselves and their communities, Hochul’s office announced Friday.

The people who received pardons include Frank Merola, 52, who was convicted of fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance in Nassau in 1997, and Jimmy Jean-Baptiste, 42, who was convicted of fourth-degree arson in 2008, also in Nassau.

Susannah Morgan-Thomas, 60, convicted of third-degree assault in 1989 in Suffolk, also received a pardon, a statement from Hochul’s office said.

"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."

Hochul’s statement said the 13 people who received pardons have lived crime-free lives, in some cases for decades, and made positive contributions to their communities. The governor said the pardons will help alleviate challenges recipients face as a result of their convictions.

It is unclear where Merola, Jean-Baptiste and Morgan-Thomas are currently living.

The governor’s office did not provide information about what they did post-conviction that made them eligible for pardons.