200+ NJ Convicts Granted Clemency, Pardons, By Governor Murphy

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently surpassed 200 grants of clemency in his fourth round of using his executive authority to give people a second chance.

On Monday, Governor Phil Murphy issued 19 commutations and 29 pardons to New Jersey residents with criminal histories. The following day, he issued pardons to 11 New Jersey veterans with rap sheets, totaling 228 grants of clemency in 16 months.

“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 Murphy. “With this fourth round of clemency actions, we uphold one of our nation’s oldest and most fundamental principles: justice for all.”

The 29 people pardoned on Monday had been convicted of a variety of crimes, including theft, drug possession and distribution, arson, and more.

Among the recently pardoned is Brenda Thompson, who was convicted of drug and minor property crimes between 2000 and 2006.

Thompson, a recovering addict herself, has since become a certified peer recovery specialist for the Center for Family Services. Officials say that Thompson recognizes “she wouldn’t have her current life without recovery.”

“I am thankful to Governor Phil Murphy and the State of New Jersey for granting me the opportunity and providing the resources that made my journey toward clemency possible. Your belief in rehabilitation and second chances has opened a new chapter in my life — one filled with hope, responsibility, and purpose,” said Thompson. “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.”

Several of those who recently received a commutation, which, unlike a pardon, does not expunge the crime, but reduces the prison sentence connected to it, were convicted of murder.

Jamal Muhammad, who received commutation back in April, has since turned his life around. He served in prison for 28 years after his former partner shot and killed a victim during a robbery. Now, the husband and father credits religion with “transforming his decision-making and mindset.”

“I want to sincerely thank Governor Murphy and everyone who showed the compassion and courage to bring my freedom to fruition,” said Muhammad. “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.”

Click here to see the full list of people who received clemency on Monday.

Murphy’s fourth round of clemency grants came just over a year after he signed Executive Order 362, which established New Jersey’s first-ever Clemency Advisory Board.

The board is tasked with reviewing applications for pardons, and expedites applications for certain non-violent convictions if applicants have stayed out of trouble for a significant period of time.

The board also expedites applications for those serving sentences that do not reflect the severity of their crime, and victims of abuse who are in prison for committing a crime against their perpetrator.

The goal of the Clemency Advisory Board is to “provide relief from inequities that have existed and been perpetuated in the criminal legal system.”

“I owe deep gratitude to the members of our Clemency Advisory Board who have been working around-the-clock to thoroughly screen and review each applicant's case, ensuring they meet the criteria of Executive Order No. 362,” Murphy said. “Together, we are creating opportunities for those who have made mistakes in the past to heal, and ultimately, contribute to our shared future.”

Read More: NJ Governor Pardons 11 Convicted Military Service Members On Veterans Day