Federal prosecutors had initiated an investigation into the commutation of David Gentile’s sentence. Gentile, a private equity executive, was convicted for his role in a $1.6 billion fraud scheme. He was released from a New York prison shortly after starting his seven-year sentence when President Trump granted clemency.
David Gentile’s early release raised questions. He was aided by a Catholic priest with connections to the president. This paused investigation aimed to uncover the circumstances surrounding Gentile’s clemency.
Trump’s political appointees halted an early-stage investigation into the clemency grant. It was investigating potential improper payments to facilitate the pardon. Gentile defrauded thousands of investors, many losing their retirement savings.
Gentile’s clemency freed him last November, two weeks into his sentence, avoiding forfeiture of $15.5 million to the government. Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn opened an investigation into the commutation. Evidence included jailhouse communications discussing payments of $2.5 million or more to secure his clemency.
Rev. Frank Mann, a retired Catholic priest from Queens, was investigated because of his ties to Trump. He denied involvement in the clemency. However, communication suggested he corresponded with Gentile about lobbying efforts for his release.
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