Pardoned Conn. man was ‘great friends’ with former president

A Brookfield man among the 73 people pardoned by former President Donald Trump in his final day in office appears to be friends with Trump and his family.

Glen Moss, who in 1998 pleaded guilty to tax evasion and other charges, was noted for his “numerous philanthropic efforts” to national and local groups, including Danbury Hospital and Ann’s Place, the White House said.

But Moss does not seem to be a major donor.

He gave a total of $550 to Danbury Hospital beginning in 1992, spokeswoman Andrea Rynn said. He has not made a contribution since 2014, she said.

The president for Ann’s Place — a Danbury organization that supports cancer patients and their families — said she was not familiar with him and could not find any record of donations.

Moss, who could not be reached for comment on Wednesday, received a letter from Trump after his wife, Kimberly, died last April.

“I hope the special memories you have of Kim will provide you with comfort and peace,” Trump wrote in the letter dated April 9. “On behalf of my entire family, especially Eric, we will continue to pray for you and my deepest condolences for your loss.”

Eric Trump is the former president’s third child.

Moss shared the letter on the photo section of the obituary page, writing “Thank you Mr. President and the entire Trump Family for being great friends for many years. All our Love.”

Voting records state Moss is affiliated with the Republican Party. A public records search found no campaign contributions to Trump.

Moss is the chief operating officer and chief executive officer of Hudson Machine Works, an architectural metal and glass company in Brewster, N.Y., according to the company’s website.

Other pardons

Trump pardoned various allies and associates, such as former White House staffer Steve Bannon and Elliott Broidy, a prominent Republican fundraiser. Rapper Lil Wayne also made the list, but Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim did not.

He also pardoned Syrita Steib-Martin, who spent part of her prison sentence in Danbury and has become an activist and founder of Operation Restoration, which supports women and girls affected by incarceration.

She served 10 years in prison beginning at age 19 after pleading guilty in 2000 to federal charges arising from her role in a burglary and arson at a car dealership in east Texas.

“With today’s pardon, Ms. Steib-Martin is relieved of the crushing restitution she incurred at such a young age,” the White House said.

Seventy people had their sentences commuted, including Jerry Donnell Walden, an inmate at the federal prison in Danbury who the White House said had served more than half of his 40-year prison sentence.

He and his brother were convicted in 1999 of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, according to court records.