ALBANY - Governor David Paterson Wednesday announced that he has commuted the sentences of Joanne Carroll and Freddie Warren, two individuals who he said “have demonstrated remarkable rehabilitation while incarcerated,” and whose requests for clemency were approved at all stages of the clemency process.

“During their lengthy prison terms, Joanne Carroll and Freddie Warren have dedicated themselves to becoming productive members of society by excelling in education, vocational, and volunteer programs,” Governor Paterson said. “I remain firmly committed to protecting public safety by continuing efforts to fight crime. At the same time, it is important to recognize and encourage inmate participation in rehabilitative programs, and to give a second chance to inmates who have worked hard to demonstrate remorse for their crimes.”

Inmates whose sentences are commuted are not automatically released. Instead, the State Parole Board will consider them for parole release in early January. Upon release, each may be returned to prison for violating the terms of his or her parole.

The two individuals whose sentences are being commuted are:

• Freddie Warren, 56, of Wyandanch, was sentenced on July 11, 1990, in Suffolk County following his conviction of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. He was sentenced as a persistent felon to 20 years to life in prison, and is eligible for parole release on June 20, 2009. Mr. Warren's criminal conduct was fueled by his drug addiction and since his incarceration he has successfully completed substance abuse treatment programs and currently participates in a Narcotics Anonymous program.  
• Joanne Carroll, 43, of Staten Island, was sentenced on February 9, 2001, in Chenango County following her conviction of Robbery in the First Degree. She received a sentence of 15 years with five years of post-release supervision and was scheduled to become eligible for conditional release to parole supervision on June 2, 2013. She has had no disciplinary infractions during her imprisonment and has expressed remorse for her crime. Carroll had a troubled childhood, which led her to drug addiction at a young age and repeated involvement in abusive relationships.