Governor Gavin Newsom commuted the sentence of Cuong Tran, who was convicted in 2011 of conspiracy to commit murder after attempting to hire a hit man. Tran was sentenced to 25 years to life. The commutation advances his eligibility to appear before the Board of Parole Hearings earlier than previously scheduled. Over 14 years in custody, Tran completed self-help programming, college courses, maintained a positive work record, and became a certified alcohol and drug recovery specialist. Newsom cited Tran's rehabilitation, commendations from guards, and assessed prospects for safe community re-entry in granting the commutation. Tran's brother Kevin received separate convictions including kidnapping.
The commutation, one of 10 granted by the governor Friday, allows Cuong Tran to make his case for parole earlier than expected. "This act of clemency for Mr. Tran does not minimize or forgive his conduct or the harm it caused," Newsom wrote in the commutation. "It does recognize the work he has done since to transform himself." In 2011, Tran, then 31, tried to hire a hit man at his younger brother's request, but the assassin was actually an undercover San Jose police officer,
Over the past 14 years, Tran has "dedicated himself to his rehabilitation," as well as "engaged in significant self-help programming, taken college courses and maintained a positive work history," according to the commutation. The commutation noted he is also a certified alcohol and drug recovery specialist who has received commendations from guards for his "positive attitude, patience and dependability." "I have carefully considered and weighed the evidence of Mr. Tran's positive conduct in prison and his good prospects for safe community re-entry," Newsom wrote.
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