Murphy Grants Clemency to 228 Individuals, Including 11 Veterans, in Historic Expansion of Criminal Justice Reform

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Governor Phil Murphy has granted clemency to 228 individuals since initiating a comprehensive review process in June 2024, marking the largest wave of pardons and commutations in recent New Jersey history. The latest rounds, announced November 10 and 11, include 29 pardons and 19 commutations—along with an additional 11 pardons specifically for U.S. military veterans in recognition of Veterans Day.

The fourth round of clemency actions brings the total to 228 since mid-2024 and builds on Executive Order No. 362, which established the state’s first-ever Clemency Advisory Board. This body reviews applications for pardons and commutations and recommends actions to the Governor. The process prioritizes certain categories, including non-violent offenses with long-standing good conduct post-conviction, crimes committed by survivors of domestic violence, and cases involving disproportionate sentences.

Governor Murphy described the initiative as a reaffirmation of New Jersey’s role as a “State for Second Chances,” signaling both a rehabilitative and restorative approach to justice.

“As Governor, one of the greatest responsibilities I hold is the ability to extend second chances to individuals who have made a commitment to rehabilitating their lives,” said Governor Murphy. “With this fourth round of clemency actions, we uphold one of our nation’s oldest and most fundamental principles: justice for all.”

Clemency for Civilians: Pardon and Commutation Details

Of the 228 clemency grants to date, 29 individuals were pardoned in the latest round for offenses dating as far back as 1975. These pardons involved a range of non-violent and drug-related convictions, including aggravated assault, controlled substance distribution, theft, and weapons possession. Many recipients had remained conviction-free for years and demonstrated substantial rehabilitation efforts.

The following individuals have been granted a pardon:

1. Alston, Sheila: aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child, sentenced in 2008
2. Arias, Jr., Dolphin: possession of a prohibited weapon, sentenced in 1994
3. Barrow, Jeanette: possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and aggravated assault, sentenced in 1988; endangering the welfare of a child, sentenced in 1995
4. S.B.: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (two counts), sentenced in 2006
5. Bosseler Devlin, Mary Jane: possession of a controlled dangerous substance (two counts), sentenced in 1985; distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1995
6. Breland, Greg: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone, sentenced in 1991; simple assault, sentenced in 1995; possession of a controlled dangerous substance sentenced in 2001; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2001; distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone, sentenced in 2001
7. Brockington, Tyrone: possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone, sentenced in 1995; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1995
8. Burke, Kareem: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2004
9. Ciroalo, Jr., Eugene: arson, sentenced in 1987
10. Fisher, Patricia: conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2010
11. Gentile, Philip: bad checks, sentenced in 2007; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2007
12. Hellriegel, Lisa: possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance near a public facility, sentenced in 2007
13. Holness, Robert: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1998; receiving stolen property, sentenced in 1999; simple assault, sentenced in 2000; theft by unlawful taking, sentenced in 2000; receiving stolen property, sentenced in 2001
14. Ishak, Yousef: possession of paraphernalia, 1988; violation of probation, 1988; receiving stolen property, 1989; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, 1992; shoplifting, 1997; shoplifting, 1997; receiving stolen property, 1998; possession of paraphernalia, 1998
15. Josephs, Sr., Gary: credit card theft and possession of a weapon, sentenced in 1990
16. Kouliev, Alim: local ordinance violations, 1996; failure to disperse, 1996; possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of paraphernalia, 1998
17. McAnuff, Raymond: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within a school zone, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1993
18. Melgarejo, Angel: false documentation, sentenced in 2007
19. Montilla, Jomarlin: theft, sentenced in 2005
20. Musero, Nick: conspiracy to cause arson, sentenced in 1998
21. Polite, Ernest: shoplifting sentenced in 1975; theft, sentenced in 1982; burglary, sentenced in 1983; violation of probation, sentenced in 1986; lewdness, sentenced in 1998
22. Pozo, Odalys: possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone, sentenced in 1995
23. Ramirez-Perez, Frank de Los Mercedes: two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, 1994
24. Restrepo, Carlos: conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1991
25. Smith, Tawanda: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1996; possession of a controlled dangerous substance and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1996
26. Sullivan, Eugene: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1981; distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1986; violation of probation, sentenced in 1987; violation of probation, sentenced in 1988; conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1988; violation of probation, sentenced in 1992
27. Thompson, Brenda: theft, sentenced in 2000; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2002; local ordinance violation, sentenced in 2002; shoplifting, sentenced in 2003; wandering to obtain a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2008
28. Whitson, Doug: unlawful possession of a weapon, sentenced in 1992; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1993; conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1994
29. Williamson, Janice: loitering to obtain a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2007; conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2008

19 commutations were granted to individuals currently or formerly incarcerated. These include individuals convicted of serious offenses such as murder, robbery, and conspiracy, with several now released from prison to serve five-year parole terms. Others had their sentences reduced significantly due to time already served, positive conduct, and legal re-evaluation under the clemency framework.

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

1. Baker, Latasha: Convicted of murder, robbery, conspiracy, and hindering. Sentenced in 2014 to a term of incarceration of 18 months consecutive to a term of 45 years with over 38 years of parole ineligibility. Ms. Baker will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
2. Carter, Rashawn: Convicted of felony murder, robbery (five counts), criminal restraint (five counts), and conspiracy. Sentenced in 2015 to a term of incarceration of 107 years with 87 years of parole ineligibility. Mr. Carter will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
3. Neals, Tivon: Convicted of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and terroristic threats. Sentenced in 2005 to a term of incarceration of 4 years consecutive to a term of 50 years with 42.5 years of parole ineligibility. Mr. Neals will have his sentence commuted to an aggregate term of incarceration of 30 years with a parole ineligibility term to be satisfied on November 10, 2025. Upon release from incarceration, Mr. Neals will begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
4. Yates, Nathan: Convicted of robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon, resisting arrest, and certain persons not to have a weapon. Convicted in 2005 to a term of incarceration of 33 years. Mr. Yates will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
5. Harris, Timothy: Convicted of felony murder, murder, robbery (two counts), conspiracy, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Sentenced in 1993 to a term of incarceration of life with 30 years parole ineligibility. Mr. Harris will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
6. Leahey, Anthony: Convicted of murder (three counts), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Sentenced in 2001 to a term of incarceration of 30 years with 30 years parole ineligibility. Mr. Leahey will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
7. Johnson, Charles: Convicted of felony murder, robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Sentenced in 2003 to a term of incarceration of 52 years with over 44 years of parole ineligibility. Mr. Johnson will have his sentence commuted to a term of incarceration of 25 years with 25 years parole ineligibility, and he will have a five-year period of parole supervision.
8. Holmes, Stanley: Convicted of armed robbery (two counts), burglary, and kidnapping (two counts). Sentenced in 2005 to a term of incarceration of 35 years. Mr. Holmes will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
9. Sears, Laciana: Convicted of aggravated manslaughter. Sentenced in 2019 to a term of incarceration of 22 years with 18.5 years of parole ineligibility. Ms. Sears will have her sentence commuted to a term of incarceration of 10 years with 10 years of parole ineligibility, and she will have a five-year period of parole supervision.
10. Freeman, Karla: Convicted of felony murder and attempted robbery. Sentenced in 2007 to a term of incarceration of 30 years with 30 years parole ineligibility. Ms. Freeman will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
11. Moore, Sammy: Convicted of felony murder, murder, attempted murder, robbery (two counts), and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, sentenced in March 1995. Convicted of conspiracy, attempted burglary, and burglar’s tools, sentenced in June 1995. Mr. Moore was sentenced to an aggregate term of imprisonment of life with 40 years of parole ineligibility. He will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
12. McGraw, Ronald: Convicted of conspiracy, murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Sentenced in 2006 to a term of incarceration of 50 years with 42.5 years parole ineligibility. Mr. McGraw will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
13. Williams, Gregory: Convicted of robbery (two counts), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Sentenced in 2012 to a term of imprisonment of 42 years with 35 years parole ineligibility. Mr. Williams will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
14. McCrimmon, Rasool: Convicted of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon, sentenced in 2007. Convicted of aggravated manslaughter in 2010. Mr. McCrimmon was sentenced to an aggregate term of imprisonment of 50 years with 42.5 years of parole ineligibility. He will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
15. Alexander, Shadee: Convicted of conspiracy, robbery, receiving stolen property, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Sentenced in 2009 to a term of imprisonment of 30 years with 25.5 years parole ineligibility. Mr. Alexander will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
16. Wallace, Jamie: Convicted of robbery (three counts) and resisting arrest (two counts). Sentenced in 2009 to a term of imprisonment of life without parole. Mr. Wallace will be released from prison and begin a five-year period of parole supervision.
17. Bass, Calvin: Convicted of felony murder (two counts), burglary, robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Sentenced in 1984 to a term of incarceration of life with 30 years parole ineligibility. Mr. Bass was released from incarceration in June 2021 on parole after serving 38 years. He will be released from his parole supervision in June 2026.
18. Williams, Willie: Convicted of murder. Sentenced in 1982 to a term of incarceration of life with 25 years parole ineligibility. Mr. Williams was released from incarceration in May 2013 on parole after serving 36 years. He will be released from his parole supervision immediately.
19. Venable, Damon: Convicted of murder, robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Sentenced in 1987 to a term of incarceration of life with 30 years parole ineligibility. Mr. Venable was released from incarceration in May 2021 on parole after serving 34 years. He will be released from his parole supervision in May 2026.

Clemency for Veterans

On November 11, Governor Murphy announced an additional 11 pardons for military veterans with prior convictions, many of which dated back decades. These individuals had served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, or National Guard, and their pardoned offenses ranged from drug charges to weapons possession and theft. The action was framed as part of a broader commitment to honoring service and supporting rehabilitation.

"Actions taken during a person’s hardest chapter should not define them — especially for those who have sacrificed so much in service of our nation,” said Governor Murphy.

Among the veterans pardoned is Daniel Ruiz, a current member of the Army National Guard and Bayonne firefighter, whose offenses occurred in his youth. Ruiz has since served in Iraq, completed Officer Candidate School, and remained active in his community and family life. With the pardon, Ruiz is now eligible for advancement within the National Guard.

"I am deeply grateful to Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Clemency Advisory Board for their commitment to second chances, which has made a life-altering impact on my life and on countless others," said Daniel Ruiz. "This pardon allows me to continue serving our nation and state as a member of the National Guard — the honor of my lifetime. I could not have come this far without the unwavering support of my wife, family, friends, and colleagues, who took the time to vouch for me and my character. I am proud to have such remarkable New Jerseyans by my side."

Below is a full list of the veterans who received pardons:

1. Tyrone Asia (U.S. Army): unlawful possession of a weapon, sentenced in 2012
2. David Kelley (U.S Marines Corps): possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2005
3. Luis Rivera (U.S. Marines Reserves): possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2001; local ordinance violations, sentenced in 2003; loitering to obtain a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2015; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2015
4. Michael Griffin (U.S. Army): larceny, sentenced in 1992; distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within a school zone, sentenced in 1997; contempt of order, sentenced in 1997
5. Nelis Hansen (U.S. Army): unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, sentenced in 1983
6. Daniel Ruiz (U.S. Army National Guard): Simple assault, aggravated assault (2 counts), possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance < 50g, resisting arrest, Distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within a school zone, Distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2005
7. Howard Jones, Jr. (U.S. Army): distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1993; piracy, sentenced in 2003; theft, sentenced in 2003; violation of probation, sentenced in 2004; violation of probation, sentenced in 2005
8. Dante Monk (U.S. Army): failure to turn over a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2002; terroristic threats and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2004
9. Justo Pena (U.S. Marine Corps): possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1982; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1986; unauthorized use of vehicle, sentenced in 1987; larceny, sentenced in 1990; possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1991; possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to use and under influence of a controlled dangerous substance without a prescription, sentenced in 1993
10. Dwayne “Hassan” Jones (U.S. Navy): conspiracy (two counts) and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1991; distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within a school zone, sentenced in 1991
11. James Mangold (U.S. Army National Guard): arson, sentenced in 2003

Community Involvement and Legal Support

Governor Murphy’s clemency initiative has also drawn support from academia and advocacy organizations. In partnership with the Princeton Clemency Project, more than 50 undergraduate and graduate students at Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs worked under supervision to assist 32 clemency applicants. These students conducted interviews, reviewed legal records, and helped draft applications.

Two of the individuals granted clemency this month were directly supported by this student-led project, highlighting the role of legal education and public service in criminal justice reform.

Stories of Rehabilitation

Among those who spoke at the November 10 event was Jamal Muhammad, who was granted a commutation in April 2025. Muhammad spent 28 years in prison after being convicted for his role in a robbery during which a co-defendant fatally shot a victim. Since his release, he has focused on faith, education, and family, co-authoring a book with his son and writing on ethics and anti-bullying.

“Life in freedom has been full of blessings — I’ve gotten married, started teaching, and launched my own business. To me, freedom means having the ability and opportunity to fulfill your goals and give back to your community. I thank God for this mercy and thank all of you for being part of this moment," said Jamal Muhammad.

Brenda Thompson, one of the 29 pardoned this week, also shared her post-incarceration journey. Following convictions related to substance use and theft between 2000 and 2006, Thompson now works as a certified peer recovery specialist at the Center for Family Services. She continues to attend 12-step programs and supports others in recovery.

“This clemency represents more than a pardon — it represents restoration, redemption, and renewed purpose. I am committed to using this second chance to serve others. I will continue to work diligently in the field of recovery, in all its aspects — especially Substance Abuse — helping those who are still fighting their battles to find hope, healing, and freedom," said Brenda Thompson.

A Shift Toward Clemency, Transparency, and Fairness

The clemency review process under Executive Order No. 362 also includes victim outreach, allowing crime survivors or their families to contribute to deliberations. State officials assert that this step is critical to maintaining a fair and transparent system while evaluating individual transformation and public safety considerations.

While clemency remains a rare and carefully administered tool, Governor Murphy’s actions represent a marked expansion of its use in New Jersey. By combining legal analysis, public input, and individualized review, the clemency initiative seeks to balance justice with compassion and rehabilitation.

For more information on the clemency process or to submit an application, individuals can visit www.nj.gov/clemency.

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