State pardon to let Delray Beach man become police officer
DELRAY BEACH Sept 25 2020 – Patrick Adolphe grew up dreaming of one day becoming a law-enforcement officer.
But a decision that he made in college over a decade ago appeared to have forever ended that dream. Adolphe was convicted of a felony in a 2009 shoplifting incident that happened at a retail store in Central Florida.
On Wednesday, however, Adolphe, 32, was given a second chance when the state granted him a full pardon during a clemency review hearing in Tallahassee before Gov. Ron DeSantis and members of the state cabinet.
Moments after the hearing, Delray Beach Police Chief Javaro Sims offered Adolphe a chance to become an officer for his hometown police department. A Delray Beach police spokesman said Adolphe will be sworn in with the department after he finishes the police academy.
Adolphe described the day’s events as humbling and emotional.
“I’m very grateful,” he said Wednesday. “I feel like there’s a huge weight off my back. …
“It was a really humbling experience. I was really overwhelmed, and I cried because (becoming a police officer) is something that I’ve always wanted to do.”
The Cabinet’s vote to pardon Adolphe was unanimous, said State Rep. Mike Caruso, R-Delray Beach, who sponsored the clemency bid and attended Wednesday’s hearing along with Sims.
“Patrick is just a real special person, and I’m so excited that he can move on with his life and begin a new chapter as a Delray Beach police officer,” Caruso said.
Adolphe said he first applied to work in law enforcement six years ago but learned that the felony on his record disqualified him.
In 2009, Adolphe was a University of Central Florida student working a side job at a nearby retail store. His legal troubles began one day when a group of his friends from the university visited the store.
Adolphe said he allowed his friend to take clothing from the store without paying. He later admitted to his actions and pleaded guilty to a charge of felony theft.
“He didn’t know the impact of a felony conviction on his life until later on, when he went to become a police officer,” Caruso said.
Adolphe transferred to Florida Atlantic University, where he would continue his studies and was a defensive lineman for the school’s football team. He went on to become a code-enforcement officer in Delray Beach’s Housing Rehabilitation Program.
He will now have an opportunity to serve the city in a different capacity.
“I’m just grateful that we’ve gotten to this point,” said Adolphe, a graduate of Atlantic High School. “It would have never been possible without Rep. Caruso’s efforts in all off this.
“We all knew it was a long (shot), but he really took the initiative to spearhead and help me get what I’ve been seeking for the last 10 years now. Law enforcement has always been my dream.”
Caruso said Adolphe’s numerous contributions to the community played a factor in his decision to help him seek clemency.
“He mentors people,” Caruso noted. “He works for Habitat for Humanity on the weekends. … He does volunteer work for seniors in the community all the time.
“He does the right thing. … He deserves a second chance.”
pbpost.com
