TRENTON, N.J. — Governor Phil Murphy announced Monday that he has granted clemency to 36 individuals, issuing 33 pardons and three commutations in what marks his first use of the gubernatorial pardon power. The move comes as part of a broader initiative to address systemic inequities in the criminal justice system and provide second chances to individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and growth.
“Today, we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that New Jersey is the state for second chances,” Governor Murphy said in a statement. “Through our historic clemency initiative, 36 individuals will be granted legal relief, either in the form of a full pardon or by having their criminal sentence commuted. It is my honor to recognize the efforts they have made to prove that, in this country, redemption is achievable.”
The clemency actions follow the establishment of the Clemency Advisory Board, created under Executive Order No. 362, issued on June 19, 2024. This board is the first of its kind in New Jersey’s history and was tasked with reviewing applications for pardons and commutations. The board prioritized cases involving nonviolent offenses, victims of domestic violence or trafficking, and those serving disproportionately long sentences due to “trial penalties” — sentences that far exceed plea deals offered during prosecution.
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way emphasized the importance of rehabilitation in the justice system. “Justice is not just about punishment; it is also about rehabilitation and second chances,” Way said. “Today, thanks to Governor Murphy and the thorough work of the Clemency Advisory Board, our state has taken another step towards creating a more equitable and fair justice system.”
Pardons issued for nonviolent crimes
The individuals granted pardons represent a cross-section of New Jerseyans, including veterans, small business owners, and community leaders who have remained free of criminal justice involvement for more than a decade. Their crimes ranged from shoplifting and drug offenses to fraud and robbery.
One such individual is Abdur Azim, who was convicted of multiple offenses in the 1980s and 1990s, including robbery and possession of controlled substances. Now a pardon recipient, Azim expressed gratitude to the Governor, stating, “Your commitment to public service and change has been at the forefront of your policies. Thank you for your courage and commitment to champion some of the most progressive initiatives to this date.”
Others receiving pardons include small business owner Richard Barthlemess, who was convicted of drug-related offenses in the late 1980s, and faith leader Michelle Cutler, whose offenses included endangering the welfare of a child and possession of controlled substances more than 20 years ago.
A pardon officially forgives an individual for their offense, though it does not erase the facts of their conviction. It lifts certain legal restrictions and removes collateral consequences, such as difficulty obtaining employment or housing, that often follow a criminal record.
Commutations for those still incarcerated
In addition to the pardons, Governor Murphy commuted the sentences of three individuals serving lengthy prison terms, allowing them to reintegrate into society under parole supervision. These cases included victims of domestic violence and harsh sentencing.
One of the commutation recipients, Dawn Jackson, was convicted of murder in 1999 and sentenced to 30 years without parole eligibility. She will now be released under parole supervision. Jackson’s daughter, Loreale Wilson, celebrated the decision, calling her mother “resilient, dedicated, and fearless.” Wilson added, “I can’t begin to put into words what this means for me … I am overwhelmed with joy.”
Another recipient, Denise Staples, was sentenced to 60 years with 51 years of parole ineligibility for murder and weapons offenses. She will also be released under parole supervision.
Governor Murphy’s approach to clemency was informed by extensive reviews of each case, which included input from the Clemency Advisory Board, consultations with legal and criminal justice experts, and outreach to victims. The review process for these cases was more robust than in prior administrations, with efforts made to contact victims, solicit their input, and connect them with support services.
The following individuals have been granted a pardon:
1. Shaukat A. Azad – Arrested and sentenced in 1999 for terroristic threats. Arrested in 2003 and sentenced in 2004 for trademark counterfeiting.
2. Abdur Azim – Arrested and sentenced in 1986 for shoplifting. Arrested and sentenced in 1989 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Arrested in 1990 and sentenced in 1991 for robbery.
3. Richard C. Barthlemess, Jr. – Arrested in 1987 and sentenced in 1989 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Arrested in 1988 and sentenced in 1989 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
4. Albert Baruffi – Arrested in 1971 and sentenced in 1972 for larceny. Arrested in 1984 and sentenced in 1986 for two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and one count of conspiracy.
5. Richard Best – Arrested in 1983 and sentenced in 1984 for burglary and larceny. Arrested in 1985 and sentenced in 1986 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
6. Samera Bishop – Arrested in 2002 and sentenced in 2003 for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of a public housing authority. Arrested and sentenced in 2003 for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance. Arrested and sentenced in 2003 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
7. Raymond W. Blanks – Arrested and sentenced in 1991 for distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school zone. Arrested in 2000 and sentenced in 2001 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
8. Hugh L. Carter – Arrested in 1987 and sentenced in 1989 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Arrested in 1987 and sentenced in 1989 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
9. Paul M. Chiang – Arrested in 2005 and sentenced in 2006 for fraudulent use of a credit card.
10. Luisa M. Cornielle – Arrested in 2004 and sentenced in 2005 for conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Arrested and sentenced in 2010 for disorderly conduct.
11. Alvaro C. Correia, Jr. – Arrested and sentenced in 1995 for aggravated arson and receiving stolen property.
12. Calvin Cuavers – Arrested in 1978 and sentenced in 1979 for aiding and abetting robbery. Arrested in 2008 and sentenced in 2009 for disorderly conduct. Arrested in 2009 and sentenced in 2010 for obstructing administration of law or other governmental function.
13. Michelle Cutler – Arrested in 2000 and sentenced in 2001 for endangering the welfare of a child and use of drug paraphernalia. Arrested and sentenced in 2002 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
14. Dave K. Daniels, Jr. – Arrested in 1989 and sentenced in 1990 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Arrested and sentenced in 1995 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
15. Charles DeFrancesco – Arrested in 1993 and sentenced in 1995 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
16. Roger Dewey – Arrested in 1973 and sentenced in 1974 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
17. Jose A. Diaz-Garma – Arrested in 1986 and sentenced in 1989 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
18. Jenny M. Edwards – Arrested in 1989 and sentenced in 1990 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
19. Quadir Evans – Arrested in 1983 and sentenced in 1984 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.Arrested and sentenced in 1986 for receiving stolen property. Arrested in 1986 and sentenced in 1987 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and unlawful possession of a weapon. Arrested in 1990 and sentenced in 1991 for unlawful possession of a weapon.
20. Ryan Fahey – Arrested in 2006 and sentenced in 2008 for conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
21. George W. Fischer – Arrested in 1974 and sentenced in 1975 for shoplifting. Arrested in 1976 and sentenced in 1977 for robbery and conspiracy.
22. David Florian – Arrested in 1995 and sentenced in 1997 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
23. Gregory J. Fuhs – Arrested in 1988 and sentenced in 1990 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
24. Dramane Goita – Arrested in 1994 and sentenced in 1995 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
25. Natasha Hawkins-Braxton – Arrested and sentenced in 1995 for 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 zone, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
26. Calvin J. Henry – Arrested in 1988 and sentenced in 1992 for unlawful possession of a weapon and conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute.
27. Tyrone S. Howard – Arrested in 2009 and sentenced in 2011 for making a false report to law enforcement.
28. Karyl A. Knibbs – Arrested and sentence in 1994 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
29. Jerry Lee Lassiter – Arrested and sentenced in 1989 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
30. Radames Lopez – Arrested in 1995 and sentenced in 1996 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
31. Henry Martinez – Arrested and sentenced in 1999 for distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school zone. Arrested and sentenced in 2001 for receiving stolen property.
32. James F. Mercer – Arrested in 1988 and sentenced in 1990 for receiving a stolen vehicle.
33. Humberto Portuondo – Arrested and sentenced in 1986 for conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute.
The following individuals have been granted commutations of their prison sentences:
- Myrna Diaz – Arrested in 2006 and convicted of murder, robbery, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, burglary, credit card theft, and conspiracy to commit robbery. Sentenced in 2010 to a term of incarceration of 40 years with 34 years of parole ineligibility followed by five years of post-incarceration parole supervision. Ms. Diaz will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
- Dawn Jackson – Arrested in 1999 and convicted of murder. Sentenced in 1999 to a term of incarceration of 30 years without parole eligibility. Ms. Jackson will be released from prison and begin a period of parole supervision until March 23, 2029.
- Denise Staples – Arrested in 2001 and convicted of murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Sentenced in 2004 to a term of incarceration of 60 years with 51 years of parole ineligibility followed by five years of post-incarceration parole supervision. Ms. Staples will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
Advocacy and praise for the initiative
The clemency actions drew praise from criminal justice advocates, community leaders, and public figures. Kim Kardashian, a prominent advocate for prison reform, applauded Governor Murphy’s decision, saying, “By granting these clemencies today, you’ve shown that we can choose redemption over condemnation … There are countless others who deserve the same chance, and I’m grateful for your pledge to expedite and expand clemencies so more lives can be reclaimed.”
Justin Dews, Chair of the Clemency Advisory Board, called the initiative a “significant first step” in ensuring fairness in clemency decisions. “While we celebrate today, our job is not finished. We look forward to continuing our work and seeing future clemency recipients enjoy the restoration of their full citizenship and the opportunity to thrive in their communities,” Dews said.
Reverend Dr. Pamela B. Jones, a longtime advocate for reentry services, commended the Governor’s decision as a bold step in addressing the impacts of harsh sentencing on marginalized communities. “Governor Murphy set a new standard for compassion and progress … This bold step in criminal justice reform reflects his commitment to equity, fairness, and meaningful relief,” Jones said.
Clemency as a tool for justice reform
New Jersey’s constitution grants the Governor broad authority to issue pardons and commutations for state criminal convictions. While pardons forgive individuals for their offenses, commutations reduce the sentences of those still incarcerated without absolving them of guilt.
Governor Murphy’s clemency initiative aligns with broader efforts to reform the criminal justice system, reduce recidivism, and address the long-term consequences of mass incarceration. By targeting individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and focusing on cases involving excessive sentencing or victimization, the initiative aims to promote fairness while maintaining public safety.
As Governor Murphy noted, “We will continue embracing a fair, impartial, and balanced approach for granting legal relief to New Jerseyans who have earned a second chance.”
In granting clemency to 36 individuals, the Murphy administration delivers on its promise to combine justice with compassion, offering a path to redemption for those who have proven they deserve it.