Paterson Pardons Three More Subject To Deportation

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Gov. David Paterson announced on Thursday three more pardons to individuals subject to deportation.

Each individual had prior criminal convictions and were one of 1,100 applications that Paterson's special pardon panel sifted through.

"I wish time had permitted us to act on more of these requests, as injustice is prevalent. The individuals pardoned today committed past offenses but have paid their debts to society and are now making positive contributions to our society," Paterson said.

The three individuals who received pardons include: Khamsay Chanthavilaychit, Aqustin Prado and Clint Ramos.

Chanthavilaychit was convicted for a 2003 misdemeanor of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. He was "facing removal after being placed in proceedings when he applied for and was denied naturalization," according to the governor's office.

Prado was convicted for a 1993 misdemeanor of possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to a conditional discharged and performed five days of community service.

Ramos was convicted of four counts of grand larceny in the third degree in June 2001. When convicted, he was a severe drug addict but overcame the addiction and became a sponsor for more than 10 people in recovery.