Citing an unfairness in the criminal legal system and a commitment to second chances, Gov. Phil Murphy today exercised his constitutional pardon power for the first time since taking office nearly seven years ago by granting 33 pardons and three commutations to non-violent offenders.
The pardon recipients considered by Murphy’s Clemency Advisory Board, includes military veterans, faith leads, small business owners and community volunteers who have been out of the criminal justice system for at least ten years.
“Today, we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that New Jersey is the state for second chances,” Murphy said. “It is my honor as Governor to recognize the efforts each of them have made to prove that, in this country, redemption is achievable. As we approach the final year of our administration, we will continue embracing a fair, impartial, and balanced approach for granting legal relief to New Jerseyans who have earned a second chance.”
Recipients of the pardons include:
* Shaukat A. Azad – “Arrested and sentenced in 1999 for terroristic threats. Arrested in 2003 and sentenced in 2004 for trademark counterfeiting.”
* 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.”
* 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.”
* 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.”
* 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.”
* 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.”
* 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.”
* 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.”
* Paul M. Chiang – ”Arrested in 2005 and sentenced in 2006 for fraudulent use of a credit card.”
* 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.”
* Alvaro C. Correia, Jr. – “Arrested and sentenced in 1995 for aggravated arson and receiving stolen property.”
* 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.”
* 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.”
* 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.”
* 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.”
* Roger Dewey – Arrested in 1973 and sentenced in 1974 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
* Jose A. Diaz-Garma – “Arrested in 1986 and sentenced in 1989 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.”
* Jenny M. Edwards – “Arrested in 1989 and sentenced in 1990 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.”
* 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.”
* 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.”
* George W. Fischer – “Arrested in 1974 and sentenced in 1975 for shoplifting. Arrested in 1976 and sentenced in 1977 for robbery and conspiracy.”
* David Florian – “Arrested in 1995 and sentenced in 1997 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.”
* 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.”
* Dramane Goita – “Arrested in 1994 and sentenced in 1995 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.”
* 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.
* 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.”
* Tyrone S. Howard – “Arrested in 2009 and sentenced in 2011 for making a false report to law enforcement.”
* Karyl A. Knibbs – “Arrested and sentence in 1994 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.”
* Jerry Lee Lassiter – “Arrested and sentenced in 1989 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.”
* Radames Lopez – “Arrested in 1995 and sentenced in 1996 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.”
* 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.”
* James F. Mercer – “Arrested in 1988 and sentenced in 1990 for receiving a stolen vehicle.
* Humberto Portuondo – ”Arrested and sentenced in 1986 for conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute.”
“Today’s pardons and commutations are a significant first step in fulfilling Governor Murphy’s commitment to exercising his clemency authority in a fair and just manner,” said Justin Dews, Chair of the Clemency Advisory Board. “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.”
Rev. Ronald Slaughter, pastor of Saint James AME Church in Newark and South Orange, said that he “wholeheartedly believe that all have sinned and fallen short, but there is room and appropriateness for forgiveness, love, and mercy.”
“This step provides individuals with the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to our communities,” Slaughter said. “We are thankful for the Governor’s vision and for the continued efforts to promote fairness and second chances in New Jersey.”
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