Zohran Mamdani Hires Ex-Con To Lead Department Of Corrections
Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani has hired a convicted thief to run New York City’s troubled prison system.
Stanley Richards, 64, will become the first formerly incarcerated person to serve as Department of Corrections commissioner, the New York Post reported Saturday. The appointment comes less than a week after a federal judge stripped City Hall of all control over Rikers Island and appointed an outside manager to oversee the facility.
Richards served about two and a half years at Rikers Island and an additional four and a half years in state prison for robbery in the late 1980s, according to Fox News. After his release in 1991, he joined the Fortune Society as a reentry counselor and eventually became president of the organization. The Obama administration recognized him as a “Champion of Change” in 2014 for his work with formerly incarcerated people, according to White House records. (RELATED: Mamdani’s progressive coalition already embroiled in bitter race war)
He previously served as the DOC’s deputy commissioner for programs and operations in 2021, NY1 reported. During this period, department leaders clashed several times with the corrections officers’ union.
Congratulations to our President and CEO, Stanley Richards, on his historic appointment by @NYCMayor Zohran Mamdani as the first formerly incarcerated commissioner of the New York City Department of Corrections. Commissioner Richards drew on his lived experience to lead the… pic.twitter.com/xD72ZoU8Zd
– The Fortune Company (@thefortunesoc) February 1, 2026
Federal Judge Laura Taylor Swain appointed Nicholas Deml, a former CIA officer and former head of the Vermont prison system, as a “rehabilitation officer” for Rikers on Jan. 27, the Queens Daily Eagle reported. Deml answers only to federal court and has broad authority over the prison complex, independent of the mayor.
The corrections officers’ union reacted cautiously to Richards’ appointment.
“Prisons cannot and will not operate in the safest manner possible if the concerns of our members are put aside,” union President Benny Boscio said in a statement. “We hope Mr. Richards understands this dynamic as he takes on this new role and demonstrates his commitment to putting safety and security ahead of any political ideology.” »
Richards will earn $243,171 per year and will begin his job on February 16.
