New York State Crime Victims Board Chairman's Subject and Correspondence Files

Roughly alphabetical by subject or name of correspondent.

This series consists of correspondence with the Governor's Office (particularly the Governor's Counsel), state and federal legislators, the Attorney General's Office, and other state agencies, interested individuals and private organizations concerned with the board's functions. Also included are files on cases (e.g. the Jean Harris case, the Dog Day Afternoon case, the Jack Abbot case, and the Son of Sam case) that have received significant public attention. These files include copies of court testimony, correspondence between lawyers and board officials, news clippings regarding the cases, and correspondence with claimants concerning compensation. Most cases involve the compensation of the crime victims from monies derived by criminals from books or movies portraying their crimes.

The series also contains interagency correspondence regarding the board's administrative operations and routine administrative records concerning personnel matters, work schedules, employee relations, etc. The series documents the administrations of commissioners Ronald Zweibel (1978-1988), Catharine Abate (1988-1990), and Barbara Leak (1990-current). Pre-1978 files appear to have been destroyed.

Portions of files contain information on claimants and claims, which is restricted. Files will be reviewed to identify and remove non-disclosable information. Access to that information is governed by Executive Law, Sect. 633.