Governor Murphy Grants Clemency To 36 Individuals In First Such Acts As Governor

Governor Phil Murphy announced on Monday the clemency of 36 individuals, including 33 pardons and three commutations of prison sentences. The move, aimed at addressing inequities in the criminal justice system, is part of an initiative to provide second chances to those who have demonstrated rehabilitation.

The individuals granted clemency underwent a review process led by the Clemency Advisory Board, which included victim outreach and evaluations of rehabilitation efforts. Here are the recipients:

Pardons Granted:

1. Shaukat A. Azad: Convicted of terroristic threats (1999) and trademark counterfeiting (2004).
2. Abdur Azim: Shoplifting (1986), possession with intent to distribute (1989), robbery (1991).
3. Richard C. Barthlemess, Jr.: Possession of a controlled substance (1989).
4. Albert Baruffi: Larceny (1972), drug-related charges (1986).
5. Richard Best: Burglary and larceny (1984), possession of a controlled substance (1986).
6. Samera Bishop: Multiple drug manufacturing and possession charges (2003).
7. Raymond W. Blanks: Distribution near a school zone (1991), possession of a controlled substance (2001).
8. Hugh L. Carter: Possession with intent to distribute (1989).
9. Paul M. Chiang: Fraudulent use of a credit card (2006).
10. Luisa M. Cornielle: Conspiracy to distribute drugs (2005), disorderly conduct (2010).
11. Alvaro C. Correia, Jr.: Aggravated arson (1995).
12. Calvin Cuavers: Robbery (1979), disorderly conduct and obstruction charges (2009-2010).
13. Michelle Cutler: Endangering the welfare of a child and drug charges (2001-2002).
14. Dave K. Daniels, Jr.: Drug-related charges (1990, 1995).
15. Charles DeFrancesco: Drug-related charges (1995).
16. Roger Dewey: Possession of a controlled substance (1974).
17. Jose A. Diaz-Garma: Drug possession with intent to distribute (1989).
18. Jenny M. Edwards: Drug possession (1990).
19. Quadir Evans: Multiple charges, including weapons possession and receiving stolen property (1980s-1990s).
20. Ryan Fahey: Conspiracy and drug possession (2008).
21. George W. Fischer: Shoplifting (1975), robbery (1977).
22. David Florian: Drug-related charges (1997).
23. Gregory J. Fuhs: Drug-related charges (1990).
24. Dramane Goita: Drug possession with intent to distribute (1995).
25. Natasha Hawkins-Braxton: Multiple drug and weapons charges (1995).
26. Calvin J. Henry: Weapons and conspiracy charges (1992).
27. Tyrone S. Howard: False report to law enforcement (2011).
28. Karyl A. Knibbs: Drug possession (1994).
29. Jerry Lee Lassiter: Drug possession with intent to distribute (1989).
30. Radames Lopez: Drug possession (1996).
31. Henry Martinez: Drug distribution and receiving stolen property (2001).
32. James F. Mercer: Receiving a stolen vehicle (1990).
33. Humberto Portuondo: Drug conspiracy charges (1986).

Commutations Granted:

1. Myrna Diaz: Convicted of murder, robbery, and other charges in 2010; 40-year sentence reduced. She will begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
2. Dawn Jackson: Convicted of murder in 1999; 30-year sentence reduced. She will be under parole supervision until 2029.
3. Denise Staples: Convicted of murder in 2004; 60-year sentence reduced. She will begin a five-year period of parole supervision.