Governor David Paterson Grants Pardon to Slick Rick to Avoid Deportation

Governor David Paterson of New York made a controversial decision on this date in 2008 by granting a full and unconditional pardon to Hip Hop legend Ricky “Slick Rick” Walters for attempted murder and weapons convictions in order to help him avoid deportation.

Slick Rick, known for his storytelling style and iconic eye patch, had pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder and eight other illegal weapons charges in 1991 after shooting his cousin and another man. He served six years out of a ten-year sentence in a New York State Prison before being released in 1997. Despite being discharged from parole supervision in 2000, Walters had been fighting deportation for his convictions.

Governor Paterson defended his decision by highlighting Walters’ exemplary behavior both in prison and in the community after his release. He praised Slick Rick for his volunteer work at youth outreach programs, where he counseled young people against violence and became a symbol of rehabilitation.

The Governor’s pardon was aimed at preventing the separation of Walters from his wife and two teenage children. Under federal law, legal immigrants convicted of an aggravated felony or a weapon offense are subject to deportation. However, in certain cases, deportation can be avoided through a Governor’s pardon. For weapon offenses, a non-citizen must appeal before an immigration court to seek relief from deportation.

The decision to pardon Slick Rick sparked debate and controversy, but ultimately allowed the Hip Hop icon to remain in the United States with his family and continue his work in the community.