SLATER CALLS ON GOVERNOR FOR PARDON OF NYPD SGT. ERIK DURAN

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) is calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to grant a pardon to former NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran, following his recent conviction and sentencing.

In a letter sent to the governor, Slater urged clemency for Sgt. Duran, citing concerns that the case represents a miscarriage of justice and emphasized the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Sgt. Duran, a decorated officer and member of the 94th Assembly District community, was found guilty of second-degree manslaughter by a judge—not a jury—in February of 2026 after an incident that occurred during a “buy and bust” operation in the Bronx. According to the letter, a suspect attempted to flee by driving a motorcycle on a sidewalk toward officers and bystanders, creating what Slater described as a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation. In response, Sgt. Duran took action in an effort to stop the suspect and protect those nearby.

Slater noted that Sgt. Duran’s actions were taken in the line of duty with the intent to prevent harm to fellow officers, civilians and others at the scene. He also highlighted that the former sergeant was sentenced to three to nine years in prison following the conviction.

“This is a case where a law enforcement officer was forced to make a split-second decision to protect lives,” said Slater. “When officers act in good faith to prevent immediate danger, we must ensure they are treated fairly under the law.”

“It’s a backwards world when a cop-killer avoids a murder charge in the fatal shooting of NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller, yet Sgt. Duran is sent to prison as a ‘deterrent’ to other officers,” said Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square). “A deterrent to what—doing their jobs? It’s absurd. This is not the world we have to live in. Gov. Hochul has the authority to correct this injustice and restore balance to our system. New York should be a place where criminals are held accountable and police are supported in protecting the public. Granting Sgt. Duran, a pardon would send a clear message that public safety still matters.”

Slater’s letter calls on the governor to use her clemency authority to pardon Sgt. Duran and argues that the circumstances of the case and the intent behind the officer’s actions warrant careful reconsideration.