ROONEY AGAIN PUSHES FOR PAROLE BOARD LEGISLATION

ROONEY AGAIN PUSHES FOR PAROLE BOARD LEGISLATIONAngelo Prisco Indictment Demonstrates Need for Action As news reports of a 10-count indictment against reputed organized crime figure Angelo Prisco were released today, Assemblyman John Rooney (R-Bergen) reiterated his criticism of the questionable circumstances surrounding his 2002 parole.  Yesterday, federal officials charged Prisco with racketeering, robbery, conspiracy, extortion, and operating an illegal gambling business.  If convicted, Prisco faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.  The indictment specifically cites a robbery in Morris County in September 2003, well over one year after Prisco’s release.

“Today’s news should refresh the memories of everyone who was involved in the questionable circumstances surrounding the parole of Angelo Prisco,” stated Rooney.  “There was credible evidence that undue influence was placed on the Parole Board to grant his release, yet no one was ever held accountable for this grievous error.  Today’s news should raise the Legislature’s conscience to give serious consideration to my legislation that I originally introduced in 2002, regarding public servants who communicate with the Parole Board, and has been ignored by the Democrats for six years.  This is a wake-up call that something needs to be done.”

Rooney was referring to a report at the time, that a Parole Board official had informed authorities that a McGreevey Administration official had intervened with the Board after Prisco was originally denied his release in January 2002, which was subsequently granted four months later.

In the current legislative session, the Assemblyman has introduced two bills addressing the parole process, A-2150 and A-2347, that would make it a crime for a public official to attempt to influence the outcome of a Parole Board decision, and that a record of all communications between the Board and the government bodies must be kept and made available to the public.

 “It is critical that the autonomy of the Parole Board be maintained,” continued Rooney.  “My legislation puts teeth toward ensuring the Board’s independence by punishing anyone who attempts to unduly influence a decision by the Board. Public officials will think twice about violating this law when they face three to five years in prison.” 

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