Gov. Baker Pulls Pardon Petitions For Pair In Malden Fells Acres Case

MALDEN, MA — Two siblings convicted on charges linked to child sexual abuse in Malden in the 1980s will not get be getting pardons following a decision Wednesday by Gov. Charlie Baker, the governor’s press secretary said.

Baker previously announced he was seeking pardons for Gerald Amirault and Cheryl Amirault Lefave last month. He faced opposition from some councilors on the state Governor’s Council, among others, at a hearing on Tuesday though, prompting his decision to withdraw his requests, according to Press Secretary Terry MacCormack.

“Following yesterday’s hearing, it is apparent that there are not sufficient votes from the Governor’s Council to support a pardon for the Amiraults,” MacCormack said in a statement. “Therefore, the Governor is withdrawing his pardon petition.”

READ: Baker Seeks Pardons For Pair In Malden 1980s Child Abuse Case

The Amiraults faced charges alongside their mother after allegations that they molested children at the Fells Acres daycare in Malden, which the family ran.

Courts convicted all three family members.

The Amiraults have since maintained their innocence, with supporters raising concerns about what they've described as biased investigation tactics used in interviews with children who ultimately accused the Amiraults.

Gerald and Cheryl Amirault’s mother, Violet, died in 1997. Her charges were posthumously dismissed.

Gerald and Cheryl spent additional time in the court system battling their convictions. While the two were eventually released from prison, their convictions still stand.

Baker discussed criticism of investigation tactics as he announced his pardon requests in recent weeks, saying the circumstances of this case and its investigation left him “with grave doubt” about the strength of the Amirault convictions.

Baker had his pardon requests come before the state Governor’s Council this week.

The council, which would have had to approve the pardons for them to take effect, was split in its opinions.

Where councilors and lawyers arguing for and against pardons made comments, Tuesday’s Governor’s Council hearing also saw comments from other individuals including Jennifer Bennett, who stood by her testimony as a child in court against the Amiraults in the 1980s, as reported by WCVB.

Bennett was opposed to pardons for the Amiraults.