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A Humble Appeal for Compassion and Justice for Richard Berger
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Advocates:
My name is David Berger, Chairman of the Richard Berger Freedom Coalition. Richard Berger, my cousin, has served forty years in New York State prisons under a sentence of fifty-two and one-third years to life. Today, with humility and hope, I write to ask for your support in securing his long-overdue freedom.
Working alongside Darren Van Allan, Manager of our coalition, we aim to demonstrate through reason, compassion, and evidence why Richard deserves release. Three avenues exist through the Governor’s Office
Clemency
Clemency allows individuals who have served more than half their sentence to apply for release when continued incarceration no longer serves rehabilitation. Richard, having served over 76% of his sentence, meets this threshold. We seek a fair parole hearing to evaluate his case.
Commutation
Commutation acknowledges that an individual has served sufficient time. For Richard, forty years of exemplary conduct and growth warrant a declaration that justice has been served.
Pardon
A pardon, though rare, would fully clear Richard’s record. While challenging, we believe his transformative journey merits consideration.
Richard’s Journey: Forty Years of Growth and Service
Richard has dedicated his incarceration to self-improvement and service:
- Earned certifications in **Legal Research and Writing** from Buffalo State University and the New York State Law Library
- Completed over 100 workshops with the **Alternatives to Violence Program**, rising from participant to Team Leader, training hundreds of inmates in conflict resolution
- Mentored at-risk youth, bridging cultural gaps in Yeshivas through written correspondence
- Served as a **Chaplains’ Aide** and **Religious Clerk** under Rabbi M. Chill, managing Green Haven Correctional Facility’s kosher kitchen
- Certified in heavy machinery operation, facility maintenance, and HIV/blood spill safety protocols
- Participated in the **Aleph Institute’s Yeshiva in Prison Project**, engaging in intensive religious study and mentorship.
Richard’s file includes dozens of letters of support, hundreds of petitions, and a 2012 clemency application that received no response after five years. Despite reapplying in 2018 and weekly advocacy by his Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator, Ms. Negron, the Governor’s Office remains silent.
Our Shared Mission
This year, we will unite Richard’s family, friends, and advocates to amplify his story. We urge legislators, community leaders, and all who believe in redemption to join us. Richard’s case is not just about one man—it is a test of our collective commitment to mercy, rehabilitation, and second chances.
With your help, we will bring Richard home.
Contact Us
To volunteer, donate, or share ideas, please call 802-777-1484
- or -
Write to our Brooklyn address. Every voice strengthens this cause.
With gratitude and resolve,
David Berger
Chairman, Richard Berger Freedom Coalition