Brookfield man gets pardon from Trump.
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. An attorney had filed in September for Walden to receive compassionate release or have his sentence reduced.
“He is known as a model inmate who completed his GED while incarcerated, as well as various other education classes,” the White House said.
‘Vital member’ of community
Moss was among eight people federal agents caught in what was described at the time as “the most sophisticated and extensive regional health-care fraud investigation ever undertaken in Connecticut.”
Moss and the others were involved in a kickback scheme involving health care businesses in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. He pleaded guilty to tax evasion and conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback statute.
“After pleading guilty in 1998, Mr. Moss has been a vital member of his community,” the White House said.
Moss was “committed” to St Jude’s Hospital for Children and the Colon Cancer Foundation, the White House said. Both organizations did not return a request for comment. He also supported “Breast Cancer Awareness.” There is no known organization by this specific name.
Moss’ wife died after a year long battle with colon cancer and was an 11-year survivor of breast cancer, her obituary said.
She was actively involved in breast cancer awareness organizations and liked to golf at Trump National Golf Club Westchester, in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., and Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury, according to the obituary.
In a Jan. 5, 2020 letter to Kimberly Moss, Trump wrote that he and his wife Melania were praying for her recovery.
“We cherish your friendship and are thinking of you and Glen,” he wrote. “We are grateful for your continued support.”
Trump wrote a letter to Glen Moss after she died, saying he was “deeply saddened” by her death, signing his name and writing “A great woman!” underneath.
“She was a wonderful woman who I remember well,” Trump wrote. “I hear she fought a very tough and courageous fight.”