While acknowledging that former political consultant Hank Morris has a low risk of recidivism, no disciplinary infractions, has served more time than called for under the guidelines, and has a supportive family and a job lined up, the state contends he was appropriately denied parole for his part in a massive scam involving the state retirement system.
Morris, the onetime top aide to state Comptroller Alan Hevesi, is serving a 1 1/3-to-four-year sentence and has already paid $19 million in restitution. He claims the parole board has not complied with state law regarding the manner in which candidates are assessed for release. At issue is whether the state complied with a mandate to provide written release procedures incorporating risk and needs assessments, and whether a "transitional accountability plan" (TAP) should have been prepared for him. Other parole-eligible inmates have raised those concerns, but the issues have "repeatedly evaded judicial review," according to Supreme Court Justice Richard Mott of Columbia County (See Profile). Mott refused to dismiss Morris’ action on mootness grounds and directed the state to respond.
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