Governor Murphy Grants Pardons and Commutations to 93 Individuals in Latest Clemency Actions

Governor Phil Murphy today exercised his executive authority and announced a second round of clemency actions, providing relief for 93 individuals. This round includes 87 pardons and six commutations, including five commutations of incarcerated persons. Today’s announcement brings the total number of grants of clemency during the Murphy Administration to 129 individuals.

“With our Administration’s groundbreaking clemency initiative, we are living up to New Jersey’s reputation as the ‘State for Second Chances,'” said Governor Murphy. “The individuals to whom I have granted clemency today have earned their legal relief by dedicating themselves to becoming responsible, well-rounded citizens who are passionate about contributing to their communities and society as a whole. As we prepare to announce additional clemency actions over the coming months, I am deeply grateful to Justin Dews and the Clemency Advisory Board for their steadfast dedication and commitment to ensuring that nobody is left behind by our criminal justice system. Granting each of these individuals a second chance to rebuild their lives is truly one of the greatest honors of my time as Governor.”

“I applaud Governor Murphy and the Clemency Advisory Board for their second round of clemency actions, changing the lives of 93 individuals for the better,” said Lt. Governor Tahesha Way. “As one of the premier states in the nation for criminal justice reform, we have shown that second chances are accessible to those who have successfully rehabilitated their lives. I am proud to play a part in that lasting legacy.”

New Jersey’s Constitution gives the Governor broad discretion and the sole authority to issue pardons and commutations to individuals for state criminal convictions.

On June 19, 2024, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 362, establishing the first-of-its-kind in state history Clemency Advisory Board responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Governor on individual applications for pardons and commutations. Additionally, Executive Order No. 326 set out certain categories of applications that would receive expedited review by the Clemency Advisory Board during the Murphy Administration.

The criteria for expedited consideration stated in the Executive Order reflect categories of applications that are particularly likely to warrant an exercise of executive clemency by the Governor. For example, individuals may receive expedited consideration for pardons for certain non-violent convictions if they have remained free from justice system involvement for sufficient time. Other examples of those receiving expedited consideration include individuals who are serving sentences that reflect an excessive trial penalty and victims of domestic or sexual violence or sex trafficking who are incarcerated for committing a crime against their perpetrator.

Since its establishment in June 2024, the Clemency Advisory Board has received over 2,200 applications for clemency.

“Today’s announcement is a remarkable moment for New Jersey,” said Justin Dews, Chair of the Clemency Advisory Board. “In less than a year, Governor Murphy has granted clemency to more people than every other governor in the last 30 years combined. The Board and I appreciate how meaningful and necessary restoration and redemption is to many New Jerseyans, and we look forward to continuing our work in order to bring such opportunities to many more.”

The following individuals have been granted a pardon:

1. Abdul-Ahad, Taskeen: robbery, sentenced in 1992
2. Almonte, Neurys: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 2005
3. Andrews, Kendric: arson, sentenced in 1994
4. Artopee, Jonothan: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1997; disorderly conduct, sentenced in 1997; hindering, sentenced in 1998
5. Ashforth, Joseph: aggravated assault, sentenced in 1984; terroristic threats and arson, sentenced in 1992
6. Barlow, Racha: possession of a controlled dangerous substance (3 counts) and possession of narcotics equipment, sentenced in 1991; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school (2 counts), sentenced in 1991; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1, 000 feet of a school, (2 counts), sentenced in 1996; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2003; unlawful possession of a weapon, sentenced in 2010
7. Billingsley, Jeffrey: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1991; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1992
8. Butler, Adam: aggravated assault, sentenced in 1984; possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1987; theft, sentenced in 1987; possession of a controlled dangerous substance and credit card theft, sentenced in 2000; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 2001
9. Camp, William: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1980
10. Checkley, Bernard: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2006
11. Chue-Sang, Dayon: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1995
12. Ciraolo, Edmond: theft, sentenced in 1986; aggravated assault, sentenced in 1989; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1990; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1997; ordinance violation, sentenced in 2000; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2012
13. Collazo, Sergio: shoplifting, sentenced in 2001; theft, sentenced in 2001; receipt of stolen property, sentenced in 2002; receipt of stolen property, sentenced in 2003; robbery, sentenced in 2003; unlawful taking by means of conveyance and resisting arrest, sentenced in 2003; receipt of stolen property, sentenced in 2005
14. Dante, Michael: eluding and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1996
15. Delcollo, Joseph: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2002
16. Demarco, Gerald: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1980
17. Fiore, Mia: possession with intent to use a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2000; ordinance violations, sentenced in 2003; possession with intent to use a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2007
18. Frazier, Cherie: possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1993; unlawful possession of a weapon, sentenced in 1993; arson, sentenced in 1995
19. French, Mark: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (2 counts), sentenced in 1991
20. Gerow, Scott Brian: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 of a school, sentenced in 1993; failure to voluntarily give a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1998; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1999; loitering, sentenced in 2004; loitering, sentenced in 2005; ordinance violation, sentenced in 2005; resisting arrest, sentenced in 2006; shoplifting, sentenced in 2006
21. Gonzalez, John: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1996; possession with the intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1997
22. Gutierrez-Perez, Jhony: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2001; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2004; ordinance violation, sentenced in 2004
23. Horsburgh, Jason: theft, sentenced in 1993; burglary (2 counts) and theft (2 counts), sentenced in 1994; conspiracy, attempt, theft, and employing a juvenile in commission of offense, sentenced in 2000
24. James, O’Margaret: unlawful possession of a weapon, permit to carry, and possession of a weapon, sentenced in 2013; possession of a stun gun, sentenced in 2013
25. Jaquez, Edison: possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing, sentenced in 2010
26. Jennings, Stephanie: prostitution, sentenced in 1986; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1987; robbery, sentenced in 2005
27. Kern, Jennifer: loitering to obtain a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2001; theft, sentenced in 2003; endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2006; theft, sentenced in 2010; theft, sentenced in 2010
28. Layton, Jeffrey: robbery, sentenced in 1982; robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, sentenced in 1982
29. Lee, Arcadia: possession with intent to use paraphernalia, sentenced in 2008; possession with intent to use paraphernalia, sentenced in 2010; being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance without a prescription, sentenced in 2010; unlawful possession of a weapon (2 counts), sentenced in 2012
30. Lunny, Robin Lee: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1984; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1988
31. Mack, Sonja: shoplifting, sentenced in 1987; obstruction of justice, sentenced in 1990; shoplifting, sentenced in 1994; ordinance violations, sentenced in 2002
32. Malagon, Rebecca: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1993; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1995; shoplifting, sentenced in 1999; theft, sentenced in 2001
33. Martin, Gregory Scott: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1990; trespassing, sentenced in 1993; failure to disperse, sentenced in 1993
34. McAnuff, Cornell: shoplifting, sentenced in 1987; perjury and conspiracy to commit perjury, sentenced in 1992
35. McMillon, Brice: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1990; conspiracy, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1990; possession with intent to use paraphernalia, sentenced in 1990
36. Mitchell, Andrew: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2006; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2006; burglary (2 counts) sentenced in 2008; terroristic threats and firearms registry violation, sentenced in 201
37. Mitchell, Calvin: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of public housing, sentenced in 2013
38. Moras, Domingo: controlled dangerous substance offenses, sentenced in 1984; distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1987
39. Moreno, Guillermo: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1992
40. Morris, Christopher: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1994
41. Nasi, Ytala: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1991
42. Parks, Larry: simple assault, sentenced in 1999; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1999; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school and possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing, sentenced in 2000; resisting arrest, sentenced in 2005
43. Pastrana, Miguel: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1993
44. Payne-Gibson, Robin: violation of lottery law, sentenced in 1978
45. Pease, David: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1985
46. Peel, Jeffrey: conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1980
47. Perekstra, Robert: theft and uttering forged instrument (7 counts), sentenced in 1983; shoplifting, sentenced in 1998
48. Perez, Patricia: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1990
49. Perry, Drew: possession of a controlled dangerous substance (2 counts), sentenced in 1989
50. Perry, Rei-Shane: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of public housing, sentenced in 2001; local ordinance violation, sentenced in 2011
51. Pieper, C. D.: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1996
52. Pierre, Kevin: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2004
53. Pinerio, Daniel: terroristic threats, sentenced in 1997
54. Placeres, Edwin: being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance without a prescription, sentenced in 1988; possession of paraphernalia, sentenced in 1989; receiving stolen property, sentenced in 2001; ordinance violation, sentenced in 2001; theft from a person, sentenced in 2006
55. Reid, Robin: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1992; theft by deception, sentenced in 1998
56. Rivas, Jr., Carlos: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1996; being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance without a prescription, sentenced in 1996; distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1997; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1998, possession of paraphernalia, sentenced in 2001
57. Robinson, Terry: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1994
58. Rodgers-Cromer, Linda: unlawful possession of a weapon and certain persons not to have a weapons or ammunition, sentenced in 1983; theft, sentenced in 1992
59. Rodriguez, Hermes: receiving stolen property, sentenced in 1999
60. Rodwell, Kathryn: ordinance violation, sentenced in 2013; possession of a hypodermic needle, sentenced in 2013; conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2014
61. Roth, Megan: ordinance violation, sentenced in 2012; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2013; resisting arrest, sentenced in 2015
62. Sabater, Sabrina: attempt to obtain by fraud a controlled dangerous substance (3 counts), wrongful impersonation, and health care claims fraud, sentenced in 2012
63. Salermo, Erick: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2006
64. Sanchez, Mario: possession of paraphernalia, sentenced in 1997; disorderly conduct, sentenced in 2014
65. Schofield, Jr., Floyd: unlawful possession of a weapon, sentenced in 1993; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1999; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1999
66. Sellecchia, Antoinette: theft of services, sentenced in 2005; wandering to obtain a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2005
67. Shabazz, Kareem: criminal trespass, sentenced in 1996; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1997
68. Simmons, Kennin: theft, sentenced in 1979
69. Spell, Kirayah: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of a public place, sentenced in 2007
70. Steinhausen, Randall: possession of a controlled dangerous substance (2 counts), sentenced in 1988; theft, receiving a stolen vehicle, receiving stolen property, and burglary, sentenced in 1991
71. Stephens, Rodney Duane: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school (2 counts), sentenced in 1991
72. Stovall, Felicia: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2003
73. Sweat, Laqweta: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1997; conspiracy to commit robbery, sentenced in 1999; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2002
74. Tawfik, Adel: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1995; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1997; ordinance violations, sentenced in 2001; ordinance violations; sentenced in 2003
75. Taylor, Carl: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1994
76. Terrero, Yosusany: burglary, sentenced in 1996; ordinance violation, sentenced in 2011
77. Terry, Sylvester: possession of an unlicensed or unregistered weapon, sentenced in 1991; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (2 counts) and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1994
78. Torbit, Trackie: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2006
79. Ugwudi, Justina: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1996
80. Vasanki, Michael: burglary and theft by unlawful taking, sentenced in 1985; burglary, sentenced in 1992; wandering to obtain a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1999
81. Watson, Kimberly: theft, sentenced in 1994; endangering the welfare of a child, sentenced in 1998; endangering the welfare of a child, sentenced in 2001; theft, sentenced in 2007
82. Williams, Steven: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1998; wandering to obtain a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1998; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 2000; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 2000; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of public property, sentenced in 2000; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of public property, sentenced in 2000
83. Wims, Jeffrey: fraud and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1983
84. Woolf, Mark: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of public housing, sentenced in 2013
85. Yeldell-Bay, Michael: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1989
86. Yurick, Edward: robbery, sentenced in 2001
87. Zambolla, Donna: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2002

The following individuals have been granted commutations of their prison sentences:

1. Barkley, Rashon: Convicted of felony murder, aggravated manslaughter, conspiracy, theft, simple assault, robbery (6 counts), unlawful possession of a weapon (2 counts), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (2 counts), and receiving stolen property. Sentenced in 1994 to a term of incarceration of life plus 50 years. Mr. Barkley will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
2. Muhammad, Jamal: Convicted of murder, felony murder, robbery, conspiracy, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Sentenced in 2000 to a term of incarceration of life with 30 years of parole ineligibility. Mr. Muhammad will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
3. Pfefferle, Paige: Convicted of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and hindering apprehension. Sentenced in 2013 to 30 years in prison with 30 years of parole ineligibility followed by five years of post-incarceration parole supervision. Ms. Pfefferle will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
4. Salazar, Alberto: Convicted of reckless manslaughter, felony murder, and robbery. Sentenced in 2003 to 30 years in prison with 30 years of parole ineligibility. Mr. Salazar will be released from prison and be deported due to his immigration status.
5. Tierney, Michelle: Convicted of murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Sentenced in 2000 to 30 years in prison with 30 years of parole ineligibility. Ms. Tierney will be released from prison and begin a period of parole supervision until August 29, 2028.

The following individual has been granted a commutation from his driver’s license suspension:

1. Furushima, Dennis K.: Convicted of driving under the influence (5 counts). Sentenced in 1999 and 2000 to 50 years of a driver’s license suspension. Mr. Furushima will have his driver’s license suspension commuted and any associated court-ordered driver’s license suspensions rescinded.

During today’s announcement, Islah Muhammad, the sister of Jamal Muhammad, one of the six individuals who received a commutation, shared her appreciation to Governor Murphy and the Clemency Advisory Board for giving Muhammad a second chance at redemption post-incarceration.

Jamal Muhammad has been incarcerated for over 28 years following an incident where his co-defendant shot and killed a victim during a robbery. During his time in incarceration, Muhammad became passionate about ethics and religious studies. He is actively writing a book about anti-bullying, Character Education: The Solution to Preventing Bullying. He credits religion with transforming his decision-making and mindset. Muhammad is also a proud and loving father. Despite being incarcerated for nearly all of their lives, he maintains a close relationship with his two children. He has even co-authored an online book with his son, enabling them to collaboratively write chapters together and remain connected. Muhammad is extremely motivated to leave a positive legacy in the next chapter of his life.

“On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank Governor Murphy and the Clemency Advisory Board for the early release of our loved one, Jamal Muhammad,” said Islah Muhammad. “My brother Jamal is a genuinely sincere and compassionate individual who has always been a pillar of strength within our family and community. Even during his incarceration, he remained an asset to those around him. And we are confident in his ability to teach, mentor, and uplift our youth—particularly young men—both within the community and beyond upon his release.”

“Our family, along with our extended Islamic community, eagerly anticipates his return,” Muhammad continued. “Our love for Jamal is unwavering, and we look forward to creating new memories and forging deeper connections as a reunited family. We have long been preparing to support him through his transition and are fully committed to helping him thrive in this next stage of life.”

Racha Barlow, one of the 87 individuals who received a pardon, spoke about her experiences post-incarceration, including the work she has done since leaving prison to help other justice-involved individuals.

Racha Barlow was convicted of drug related offenses in the 80’s and 90’s when she was a young adult, and a weapons-related charge from 2010. Through dedication and perseverance, she has achieved and maintained sobriety for 15 years. Barlow currently works for the City of Trenton as a reentry coordinator, helping people with criminal records find jobs and housing. She had previously done similar work for Volunteers of America and has been working in reentry support positions for nearly 10 years. She is also an author and poet, and volunteers her services for grieving families that have lost a loved one.

“Today, I officially retire my state number #14489,” said Racha Barlow. “I am deeply grateful to Governor Murphy for granting me a second chance at life. His decision to grant me clemency has opened doors I never could have imagined possible.”

“When I left prison, I remember telling myself, ‘I’m coming home to help people like me,’” Barlow continued. “Today, by the grace of God, I’m doing just that. As a Reentry Specialist with the City of Trenton, I have helped over 250 returning citizens secure employment opportunities in the last three years. I’ve also written four books and composed and performed over 500 poems for grieving families in the City of Trenton. I am currently studying filmmaking under Mega Mind Production adapting books to film and, soon, I believe one of my projects will be greenlit. I say all of this to give God the glory. He has brought me a long way from that young girl lying on a prison bunk at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, dreaming of becoming a writer.”

Upon release from New Jersey Department of Corrections custody, one of the individuals whose sentence was commuted, Alberto Salazar, will be deported due to his immigration status, per federal law. The Murphy Administration will work with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ensure Mr. Salazar’s safe and orderly return to his native Colombia.

Over the past seven-plus years, the Murphy Administration has pursued various initiatives to ensure that individuals formerly involved in the criminal justice system have a second chance to rebuild their lives. From signing legislation banning discriminatory housing practices against justice-involved individuals to restoring voting rights to over 80,000 citizens on probation or parole to creating a petition process for “clean slate” expungements for certain offenders, the Murphy Administration has solidified New Jersey’s standing as one of the fairest criminal justice systems in the nation.

“Today marks a significant next step in New Jersey’s journey toward a more compassionate and equitable criminal justice practice. Governor Murphy’s latest pardons and commutations, guided by Executive Order No. 362, highlight the importance of Second Chances. At New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), daily, we witness the perseverance of court-involved persons as they rebuild their lives,” said Jim McGreevey, Executive Director, New Jersey Reentry Corporation. “I commend Governor Murphy for his leadership, encouraging ongoing progress through sentencing reform and reentry support.”

“Governor Murphy is following through on his bold commitment to use his clemency powers to correct injustice, grant freedom, and restore fairness. Clemency should be a routine part of effective governance and the governor is demonstrating how this powerful tool, used responsibly, paves the way for stronger, safer communities,” said Jessica Jackson, CEO, REFORM Alliance. “At REFORM Alliance, we proudly welcome home those who have earned their freedom today and look forward to continued progress, particularly in relieving more deserving individuals from the burden of prolonged supervision and solidifying New Jersey as a national model for second chances.”

“We thank Governor Murphy for taking action today. Coinciding with April’s “Second Chances” month, we are once again united around the fundamental belief that everyone deserves a chance to be restored and set free from past trauma and mistakes,” said Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer, Founder, Salvation and Social Justice.  “As a result of today’s action, and those that have come before, New Jersey has dropped to historic lows in the prison population under this administration while crime rates have also dropped.”

“The Returning Citizen Support Group support Governor Murphy’s Clemency initiative. As such, we are committed to supporting the recipients of the Governor’s clemency, including their families, with wraparound services to ensure a successful transition,” said Edwin Ortiz, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Returning Citizens Support Group.

“We appreciate that Governor Murphy is exercising his clemency powers to address historic inequities in the criminal justice system that disproportionately impact Latinos and other people of color,” said Dr. Jesselly De La Cruz, Executive Director of the Latino Action Network Foundation. “We are proud to work with Governor Murphy to help build a more equitable criminal justice system that is fair to every New Jerseyan.”

“The AFSC works nationally on advocacy and human rights issues concerning imprisonment. No other elected official in the country is accomplishing what Governor Murphy is via his use of his powers of pardons and commutation. He is courageous and unique in his commitment to grant second chances. The people of New Jersey remain grateful for his extraordinary leadership,” said Bonnie Kerness, Program Director, American Friends Service Committee Prison Watch.

“On behalf of all those impacted by the criminal justice system and those who believe in the power of second chances, I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor Phil Murphy for his leadership, compassion, and commitment to justice through his recent clemency and pardon initiatives,” said Pastor Steffie Bartley Sr., Northeastern Regional Director, National Action Network. “Governor Murphy’s efforts reflect a profound understanding that redemption, rehabilitation, and fairness must be cornerstones of our justice system. By exercising his clemency powers with integrity and humanity, he has brought hope to individuals, families, and communities who have long awaited the opportunity for a fresh start. Thank you, Governor Murphy, for your bold and thoughtful actions. Your dedication to justice and equity is helping to build a more compassionate and inclusive New Jersey.”

For more information on Governor Murphy’s Clemency Initiative or to apply for Executive Clemency, please visit www.nj.gov/clemency.

Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey recently granted pardons and commutations to 93 individuals in his latest round of clemency actions. This move is part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to reform the state’s criminal justice system and provide second chances to those who have paid their debt to society.

The individuals who received pardons and commutations from Governor Murphy come from a variety of backgrounds and have committed a range of offenses. Some of them were convicted of non-violent drug offenses, while others were serving sentences for more serious crimes. Regardless of their past actions, Governor Murphy believes that everyone deserves a chance at redemption and rehabilitation.

In a statement announcing the clemency actions, Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of giving individuals a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. He stated, “These pardons and commutations are not just about forgiveness, they are about recognizing the potential for growth and change in every individual. By granting these clemencies, we are giving these individuals the opportunity to move forward and make a positive impact on their communities.”

The process of applying for a pardon or commutation in New Jersey can be lengthy and complex, requiring individuals to demonstrate genuine remorse for their actions and a commitment to turning their lives around. Governor Murphy’s administration has worked to streamline this process and make it more accessible to those seeking clemency.

In addition to granting pardons and commutations, Governor Murphy has also taken steps to reform the state’s criminal justice system, including signing legislation to expand expungement opportunities for individuals with low-level criminal records. These efforts are part of a broader push to reduce mass incarceration and address the disproportionate impact of the criminal justice system on communities of color.

Overall, Governor Murphy’s latest clemency actions reflect his commitment to promoting fairness and equity in the criminal justice system. By granting pardons and commutations to 93 individuals, he is sending a clear message that everyone deserves a second chance and the opportunity to rebuild their lives after serving their time.