As we all waited to see who was on President Donald Trump’s pardon list in the final hours of his presidency, I hadn’t heard of, or thought of, a possible pardon for Al Pirro.
But the last minute decision by Trump to pardon the ex-husband of former Westchester DA and current Fox News host Jeanine Pirro was issued on the morning of January 20, just 45 minutes before Trump left the White House and President Joe Biden took the oath of office.
The headlines referred to Mr. Pirro as ‘Tax Cheat’ Al Pirro, who received a full pardon for his crimes of conspiracy and tax evasion back in 2000. A. Pirro illegally claimed $1.2 Million in business deductions that were personal expenses instead.
At his sentencing, Al confessed, saying “”I clearly did not fulfill my responsibilities to make a diligent enough effort to disclose my tax returns.” He was sentenced to 29 months in federal prison, and served 17 months at a ‘Club Fed.’
Pirro’s pass was a part of 74 total pardons handed out by Trump, who also commuted the sentences of 70 other criminals. Rapper Lil Wayne and former Trump campaign chairman Stephen Bannon, were among the notable pardons with Pirro. Jared Kushner father, Trump campaign manager Paul Manaford and friend-advisor Roger Stone had their sentences commuted.
The Pirro’s divorced in 2013, but during the 1990’s were Westchester’s power couple. Jeanine was elected District Attorney three times, in 1993, 1997 and 2001. Her victory in 2001 happened while Al was in jail.
Al was the top lobbyist and attorney for developers who wanted their projects built in the county. His clients included the Cappelli’s and yes, then New York City developer Donald Trump.
Trump and the Pirro’s became friends, with Trump attending parties at the Pirro’s Harrison home, and Trump allowing Jeanine to hold a masquerade ball at his Seven Springs estate in North Castle as a fund raiser for her failed bid for NY Attorney General.
One Trump development plan that failed in Westchester under Al’s stewardship was the plan to develop Davids Island in New Rochelle into a luxury home enclave. Opposition grew against the plan and Trump had to forefit a $500,000 deposit.
The Seven Spring development plan was another Trump-Pirro bust. Trump wanted to build an exclusive country club on the vast property but the fact that it sits in three different towns, New Castle, Bedford and North Castle, and a shrinking real estate market, meant that the plan was never approved.
Trump National golf course in Briarcliff Manor was a sucess of both Pirro and Trump
Republicans ruled Westchester during they heyday of the Pirro’s in the 1990’s. Many who live in Westchester now know nothing about the Pirro’s except that they see Jeanine ranting on Fox News once week.
Pirro has been one of Trump’s biggest supporters and has sold the Trump brand on Fox during the past four years. She was also able to secure a couple of interviews with the President, and in September of 2020, J. Pirro appeared at a Back the Blue Rally in Eastchester where she urged support for Trump’s re-election.
Either J. Pirro, or A. Pirro, or both, must have requested the pardon. Jeanine claimed that she did not review the fradulent tax returns that she signed with Al.
Al’s brother, Anthony, an accountant, was thrown under the bus during the trial and had to take the wrap with his brother. Anthony did not receive a pardon from President Trump, nor did Julian Assange, who many had hoped would get one.
