Trump Pardons New Jersey Developer Charles Kushner

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Disgraced New Jersey developer Charles Kushner — and the father of President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner — was one of 26 people to be granted presidential pardons Wednesday night.

President Trump granted a full pardon to Kushner, a developer who operates out of Long Branch.

Kushner served 14 months in federal prison in 2005 after he was convicted of illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion and witness tampering. After his release from prison, he resumed his real estate business. The Kushner family were the ones who developed Pier Village at Long Branch, which is now a bustling residential and business complex.

Before he was arrested, Kushner was a major campaign contributor to New Jersey Democratic campaigns, including that of Gov. Jim McGreevey. He admitted to hiring a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law and videotaping him, and then sending the videotape to his sister to intimidate her from testifying before a grand jury, said former Gov. Chris Christie, who served as US attorney at the time and prosecuted the case.

Earlier this year, Christie, who has long had a feud with Jared Kushner that may have prevented him from becoming a part of the Trump administration, called the crime one of the most "disgusting" he's ever seen.

Charles Kushner and his wife still live in Long Branch to this day, in a sprawling estate by the sea. They hosted major fundraisers for Trump there when he first ran for president in 2016.

Since completing his sentence in 2006, Kushner has been devoted to important philanthropic organizations and causes, such as Saint Barnabas Medical Center and United Cerebral Palsy.

Kushner also has been a big donor to Trump's campaigns.

"This record of reform and charity overshadows Mr. Kushner’s conviction and two-year sentence for preparing false tax returns, witness retaliation, and making false statements to the FEC," said the Trump White House in a statement.