Here's Who Gov. Murphy Just Pardoned In New Jersey (See The List)

NEW JERSEY — They’ve earned a second chance, Phil Murphy says.

On Tuesday, New Jersey’s governor announced a fresh wave of clemency actions, pardoning 87 people who have been convicted of crimes. Many were charged with minor drug offenses, or low-level crimes like shoplifting and disorderly conduct. Others were convicted of more serious offenses, such as robbery or aggravated assault.

Meanwhile, the governor also commuted sentences for six other people, including five prison inmates who were convicted of murder. One will be deported and the other four will be released under parole supervision.

See the full list of people who received clemency actions this week below.

According to Murphy, everyone on the list has “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.”

“We are living up to New Jersey’s reputation as the ‘State for Second Chances,’” Murphy said.

>> Read More: Ambitious Writer, Loving Dad Get 'Second Chance' From NJ Pardons

This week’s pardons were done under the authority of an executive order that Murphy issued in June 2024, which prioritizes clemency requests from non-violent offenders who have remained free from justice system involvement for a “sufficient time,” the governor’s office said.

Other people who have been put at the front of the line include who are serving sentences that reflect an “excessive trial penalty,” and victims of domestic violence or sex trafficking who committed a crime against their abuser.

More clemency announcements will be coming in the coming months, said the governor, who announced a separate wave of pardons last December. Read More: NJ Governor Pardons Dozens Of Ex-Inmates, Says ‘Redemption Is Achievable’

Pardons are only one way that New Jersey has been trying to make it easier for former prison inmates to become productive citizens again, according to the governor’s office. Other initiatives have included legislation that bans housing discrimination, and restoring voting rights for people on probation or parole. Read More: Thousands Of Former NJ Prison Inmates Can Now Register To Vote

Granting prisoners clemency also frees up taxpayer money, some advocates have pointed out. New Jersey is spending about $66,000 per inmate every year to run its state prisons – about $181 per day.

• See Related: Here's How Much Money NJ Spends On Cops And Prisons, Report Says

Justin Dews, chair of the state’s Clemency Advisory Board, said that Murphy has now granted clemency to more people than every other governor in the last 30 years combined.

Dews said that whoever succeeds the term-limited Murphy in the governor’s seat this year should continue with what he began – no matter what their political party is.

“Clemency doesn't have a partisan affiliation,” Dews said. “The consequences of a conviction are not the exclusive domain of Democrats or Republicans Those consequences exist whether you're from Alpine, or Atlantic City, from Basking Ride or Bridgeton.”

FBI data shows that current violent crime rates in New Jersey are significantly lower than the levels seen in the 1980s and 1990s, although the state saw a 7.2 percent rise between 2022 and 2023. Read More: New Shooting, Car Theft Data Released In NJ Shows 'Historic' Numbers

The following graph from the FBI's crime data explorer shows the overall violent crime rate for New Jersey between January 1985 and December 2023, including homicides, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults.

TRUMP PARDONS IN NEW JERSEY

Murphy isn’t the only politician to recently make headlines in New Jersey with a pardon announcement.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, including 46 from New Jersey. Trump also commuted the sentences of another 14 people, including leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.

The president said the pardons will end “a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years” and begin “a process of national reconciliation.”

Murphy was among those who criticized the move, calling it a “dark moment for our country.” However, a New Jersey resident who was at the Capitol and pleaded guilty to several charges argued otherwise, saying that “every single Jan. 6er deserves full expungements across the board.”

• See Related: Dozens Of Jan. 6 Defendants From NJ Pardoned In Trump’s First Official Act

Trump has previously expressed support for criminal justice reform, including the bipartisan First Step Act of 2018, which expanded job training and other programs that reduce recidivism rates among federal prisoners. The law also expanded early-release programs and changed sentencing laws, including mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders.

“Our whole nation benefits if former inmates are able to reenter society as productive, law-abiding citizens,” Trump said when the legislation hit his desk during his first term.

“America is the greatest country in the world and my job is to fight for all citizens, even those who have made mistakes,” he tweeted. “This will keep our communities safer, and provide hope and a second chance, to those who earn it. In addition to everything else, billions of dollars will be saved.”

• See Related: When Trump And Cory Booker Agreed: 5 Years Of ‘First Steps’
• See Related: Renew This Federal Program That Boosts Ex-Inmates, NJ Senator Urges

WHO GOT PARDONS, CLEMENCY IN NEW JERSEY?

According to the governor’s office, here is the list of people who received clemency this week in New Jersey.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 person has been granted a commutation from his driver’s license suspension:

• 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.

The following people have been granted a pardon:

• Abdul-Ahad, Taskeen: robbery, sentenced in 1992
• Almonte, Neurys: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 2005
• Andrews, Kendric: arson, sentenced in 1994
• Artopee, Jonothan: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1997; disorderly conduct, sentenced in 1997; hindering, sentenced in 1998
• Ashforth, Joseph: aggravated assault, sentenced in 1984; terroristic threats and arson, sentenced in 1992
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Camp, William: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1980
• Checkley, Bernard: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2006
• Chue-Sang, Dayon: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1995
• 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
• 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
• Dante, Michael: eluding and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1996
• Delcollo, Joseph: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2002
• Demarco, Gerald: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1980
• 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
• 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
• French, Mark: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (2 counts), sentenced in 1991
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Jaquez, Edison: possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing, sentenced in 2010
• Jennings, Stephanie: prostitution, sentenced in 1986; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1987; robbery, sentenced in 2005
• 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
• Layton, Jeffrey: robbery, sentenced in 1982; robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, sentenced in 1982
• 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
• Lunny, Robin Lee: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1984; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1988
• Mack, Sonja: shoplifting, sentenced in 1987; obstruction of justice, sentenced in 1990; shoplifting, sentenced in 1994; ordinance violations, sentenced in 2002
• 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
• 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
• McAnuff, Cornell: shoplifting, sentenced in 1987; perjury and conspiracy to commit perjury, sentenced in 1992
• 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
• 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
• Mitchell, Calvin: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of public housing, sentenced in 2013
• 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
• 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
• Morris, Christopher: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1994
• Nasi, Ytala: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school, sentenced in 1991
• 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
• Pastrana, Miguel: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1993
• Payne-Gibson, Robin: violation of lottery law, sentenced in 1978
• Pease, David: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1985
• 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
• Perekstra, Robert: theft and uttering forged instrument (7 counts), sentenced in 1983; shoplifting, sentenced in 1998
• Perez, Patricia: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1990
• Perry, Drew: possession of a controlled dangerous substance (2 counts), sentenced in 1989
• 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
• Pieper, C. D.: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1996
• Pierre, Kevin: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2004
• Pinerio, Daniel: terroristic threats, sentenced in 1997
• 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
• Reid, Robin: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1992; theft by deception, sentenced in 1998
• 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
• Robinson, Terry: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1994
• 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
• Rodriguez, Hermes: receiving stolen property, sentenced in 1999
• 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
• Roth, Megan: ordinance violation, sentenced in 2012; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2013; resisting arrest, sentenced in 2015
• Sabater, Sabrina: attempt to obtain by fraud a controlled dangerous substance (3 counts), wrongful impersonation, and health care claims fraud, sentenced in 2012
• Salermo, Erick: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2006
• Sanchez, Mario: possession of paraphernalia, sentenced in 1997; disorderly conduct, sentenced in 2014
• 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
• Sellecchia, Antoinette: theft of services, sentenced in 2005; wandering to obtain a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2005
• 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
• Simmons, Kennin: theft, sentenced in 1979
• 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
• 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
• Stephens, Rodney Duane: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school (2 counts), sentenced in 1991
• Stovall, Felicia: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2003
• 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
• 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
• Taylor, Carl: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1994
• Terrero, Yosusany: burglary, sentenced in 1996; ordinance violation, sentenced in 2011
• 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
• Torbit, Trackie: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2006
• Ugwudi, Justina: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1996
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Wims, Jeffrey: fraud and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1983
• Woolf, Mark: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of public housing, sentenced in 2013
• Yeldell-Bay, Michael: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1989
• Yurick, Edward: robbery, sentenced in 2001
• Zambolla, Donna: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2002

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