Press Releases

Pearl River, NY – 7/25/25… Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) issued the following statement today after learning that Robert McCain, the paroled murderer previously convicted for the brutal killing of Pearl River teenager Paula Bohovesky in 1980, has been arrested again, this time accused of forcibly touching a child.

"This disgraceful and utterly predictable incident highlights precisely why Robert McCain never should have been granted parole," said Congressman Lawler. "As an Assemblyman, I led the charge against Robert’s release, demanding the Parole Board keep this hardened criminal behind bars, but they tragically prioritized pro-criminal ideology over the safety of our community."

Lawler has been an outspoken advocate for keeping McCain behind bars, having previously joined local officials and residents in strong opposition to his release in 2021. At that time, Lawler warned state officials that McCain was unfit to be returned to society, citing the horrific nature of his original crime and his complete lack of remorse.

"The parole board's decision to release McCain was irresponsible and reprehensible," Congressman Lawler continued. "Their negligence has now created another victim at the hands of this monster, and they need to be held accountable.”

"The entire Parole Board should resign in disgrace immediately - their constant release of child rapists, cop-killers, and the worst criminals has made New York less safe,” Congressman Lawler concluded.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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