Hudson, N.Y. - A parole board granted the release of former Greece police chief Merritt Rahn.
In a decision following an interview last week, the board recommended Rahn's release from prison on December 19, pending a field investigation.
The transcript from his November 7, 2012 interview with the parole board was released Wednesday (attached) and revealed a more apologetic and remorseful Rahn as compared to his 2011 interview.
"I apologize for what happened. I'm remorseful. What I did was wrong. It's a terrible way to end a career of 42 years. I can't take it back. I can just go back out and show people I'm a law-abiding, hardworking person...I can promise you that, if I go home, you'll never see from me or hear from me again. I'll be an excellent citizen and abide by the law and spend time with my family."
Rahn was convicted of several crimes including official misconduct and falsifying business records. He was sentenced to 1-2/3 to 5 years in prison for the crimes. Rahn had been serving the past 2-1/2 years in prison.
Those crimes were tied to Rahn's dealings with two former Greece Police Officers who are also currently in New York State Prison.
Rahn was convicted of fudging a background check to help with the hiring of former officer Gary Pignato who was later convicted of crimes that accused him of using his badge to solicit sexual favors from women.
Former Sgt. Nicholas Joseph's involvement in a serious hit-and-run crash landed him in prison. Rahn was convicted of crimes related to his involvement in that investigation.
In Rahn's prior appearance before the parole board in November 2011 (attached) there was a noticeably different tone in his response to each incident.
RAHN IN 2011 ON PIGNATO'S HIRING: "So I asked the supervisor if he was aware of (Pignato's) background and he said 'Yes, but I've already hired him.' A background check had to be done, and I was so upset and so angry, I just told the background investigator, 'Just do the report. Make it positive. Interview who you have to interview. If you interview Mr. X, just put down what he said and make it positive."
RAHN IN 2011 ON THE JOSEPH CRASH: "I held up doing the investigation and part of the reason was, you know, to preserve the integrity of the police department because the embarrassment it would have brought the whole department and I assume to protect an officer."
Rahn told the parole board that he had five job offers and that he intends to return to his home remodeling business upon his release.
