 Slick Rick: Pardoned by New York Governor
Hip-hop singer Slick Rick has been granted full and unconditional pardon from charge of attempt of murder and weapon conviction by New York Gov. David Paterson.
The rapper Slick Rick, whose real name is Ricky Walters, has already served six years in jail for the case.
Slick Rick, whose hit songs are "Children's Story" and "La-Di-Da-Di", has openely fired his cousin in a crowded New York City street. A bystander was hit in the foot.
Slick Rick was released from prison in 1997 and also discharged from parole supervision in 2000. Since then, Walters has been fighting for deportation for his convictions.
David Paterson said in a statement on Friday, "Mr. Walters has fully served the sentence imposed upon him for his convictions, had an exemplary disciplinary record while in prison and on parole, and has been living without incident in the community for more than 10 years. In that time, he has volunteered at youth outreach programs to counsel youth against violence, and has become a symbol of rehabilitation for many young people".
Under federal law, it is said, if legal immigrants of the United States found guilty for an aggravated crime or a weapon offense they must be deported. For certain offenses, deportation can be avoided by a Governor's pardon. But for weapon offenses, a non-citizen must make an appeal before an immigration court.
Paterson urged immigration officials to grant 43 year old Slick Rick "relief from deportation", so that he can stay with his American wife and their two teenage children. |