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Senator Pam Helming (R-C-I, 54th District) delivered petitions signed by nearly 10,000 concerned citizens to the New York State Board of Parole Wednesday. The petition urges board members to deny the release of Judith Clark from prison. Clark was the driver of a getaway car in a 1981 robbery of a Brink's armored car in Rockland County, N.Y. that left two police officers and a security guard dead.

"The response from constituents on this issue was loud and clear," Helming said. "My office received numerous calls and letters regarding Clark's potential release, and over 1,000 signatures on the petition from this area alone. The residents of the 54th District and of New York State have spoken; they want Judith Clark to remain in prison."

Clark was convicted for her role in the brazen armed robbery of $1.6 million dollars from a Brinks armored car in Nanuet, New York on October 20, 1981. The attack resulted in the shooting deaths of security guard Peter Paige, Nyack, N.Y. Police Sgt. Edward O'Grady and Nyack Police Officer Waverly Brown. Ms. Clark was convicted of participating in the planning of this crime, driving one of the getaway vehicles and attempting to reach for a handgun when apprehended by police. Clark was sentenced to the maximum allowed at the time; three consecutive 25 year to life terms. However, Governor Cuomo recently commuted her sentence, making her eligible for parole.

"Citizens who signed the on-line petition agree that releasing her from prison would minimize the lives of those killed. Granting Judith Clark parole is a slap in the face to all law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities," Helming added.

Senator Helming helped deliver four boxes of signatures to the Albany office of the NYS Board of Parole. A hearing on Clark's possible release is scheduled for next week.

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