Cuomo grants clemency to three

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Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has granted clemency to three people who have demonstrated substantial evidence of rehabilitation and a commitment to their communities.

Cuomo fully commuted the sentences of two individuals and reduced the sentence of another. While in custody, all three participated in rehabilitative and educational opportunities offered to them.

Freddie Harris, 61, received a full commutation of his sentence. He has served 15 ½ years of a 17-years-to-life sentence for two counts of second-degree burglary.

Harris committed two burglaries in 2004 in which no one was injured.  While in prison, Harris participated in Narcotics Anonymous, earned his GED, and has taken several semesters of college courses through Genesee Community College.

Harris also completed extensive vocational training and participated in technology training programs on subjects such as computer hardware and software. Harris will live with his brother and he has a job offer after his release.

Juan Serrano, 58, also received a full sentence commutation. He has served 22 ½ years of a 35-years-to-life sentence for three counts of second-degree burglary and one count of second-degree robbery. He was convicted in 2000 for his role in a series of burglaries for which he has expressed strong remorse.

Serrano completed substance abuse treatment and was selected as a lead facilitator for substance abuse counseling for other inmates. While in prison Serrano earned his GED and has completed vocational classes in plumbing, electrical work, masonry, carpentry and welding.  He has served as housing coordinator, program aide, supervisor of inventory, chaplain aide and leader of commissary for the Latinos en Progreso group. Serrano will live with his wife in Brooklyn and work as a Bible study teacher.

Teara Fatico, 30, had her sentence reduced. She has served more than 8 ½ years of a 13-year sentence for attempted first-degree burglary. In 2011, Fatico facilitated her boyfriend’s entry into an apartment so he could rob the occupant. During the crime, her boyfriend and the victim had a physical altercation that led to the victim’s death.  She was not in the apartment during the fight. She cooperated and testified against her boyfriend, who was convicted of murder.

While in prison, Fatico has worked toward her associate’s degree and has volunteered in the prison’s infant care center. Her sentence has been reduced from 13 years to 11 years, which will make her eligible for release in 2021.