The Tampa Tribune story
Published: August 22, 2007
TALLAHASSEE – A Hudson man serving a mandatory 25-year prison term for trafficking in painkillers has been granted a waiver allowing him to appear before the state Board of Executive Clemency.
The board has the power to release Richard Paey, 48, who suffers from chronic pain and was charged in 1997 with trafficking, possession and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Paey and his attorney insisted he obtained the medication legally and used it himself to treat the effects of a car wreck and botched back surgery.
Paey, a father of three, has served 3 1/2 years of his sentence. Traditionally, inmates must serve one-third of their time before becoming eligible for the clemency process; this week, the clemency board approved a waiver allowing his case to be heard as early as the board meeting Sept. 20. His attorney and family will appeal before Gov. Charlie Crist and the three members of the Florida Cabinet. Paey will not be allowed to attend.
Jerome R. Stockfisch