NJ Governor Pardons 11 Convicted Military Service Members On Veterans Day

Gov. Phil Murphy issued official pardons to several military service members in New Jersey on Veterans Day.

On Tuesday, the governor announced his latest clemency actions, wiping the slate clean for 11 Garden State veterans (see the list below).

“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,” Murphy said.

“Today’s pardons are a declaration of who we are: a state that believes in redemption, responsibility and opportunity,” he added.

Murphy pointed to Daniel Ruiz – a current member of the Army National Guard – as an example of why forgiveness is needed.

According to the governor’s office, Ruiz has one conviction from 2004 (when he was a juvenile), which involved charges for assault and drug-related offenses. He has since received an expungement from Hudson County, where he serves as a member of the Bayonne Fire Department.

Ruiz has been a member of the National Guard for over 18 years and has a “very distinguished” military service, including service in Iraq. He graduated from Officer Candidate School in August 2024, the governor’s office reported.

The pardon will allow Ruiz to advance in the Army National Guard and support his wife and children.

“This pardon allows me to continue serving our nation and state as a member of the National Guard — the honor of my lifetime,” Ruiz said. “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,” Ruiz said.

Other pardon recipients include:

• Tyrone Asia (U.S. Army): unlawful possession of a weapon, sentenced in 2012
• David Kelley (U.S Marines Corps): possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2005
• 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
• 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
• Nelis Hansen (U.S. Army): unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, sentenced in 1983
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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 school zone, sentenced in 1991
• James Mangold (U.S. Army National Guard): arson, sentenced in 2003

The governor’s latest round of pardons got a round of applause from several veteran advocacy groups. Supporters included:

David Pearson, Veteran Director, Catholic Charities – “This action reflects our state’s deep commitment to fairness, redemption, and second chances. We are proud that New Jersey continues to lead with compassion and believes in the power of renewal and service.”

Michael D Boll, President, New Jersey Veterans Network – “The New Jersey Veterans Network supports Governor Murphy's pardons of New Jersey veterans who have already served their time and are active members of their communities. We believe these individuals continue to contribute positively to our state and embody the values of service and resilience.”

Selina Kanowitz, National Vice Commander, Department of New Jersey Jewish War Veterans – “It's wonderful to know that those who are receiving pardons will have a second chance to improve their lives and their futures which is of great value both to the individual, their family, and the community where they may reside and work.”

Yvonne Zirrith, State Commander, Department of New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars – “The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of New Jersey is incredibly grateful to Governor Murphy for his act of compassion to our veteran community on this Veterans Day. This meaningful gesture and his decision to pardon these veterans honors the service of all who have worn the uniform in defense of our freedom.”

Luddie Austin, Past State Commander, Department of New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars – “The Department of New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars supports the Governor’s recognition of the sacrifices made by our veterans, his understanding of the challenges that follow those sacrifices, and his commitment to granting pardons that provide a true second chance and a fresh first impression. Thank you for honoring our veterans.”

Sharon McGreevey, Director of Veterans Services, New Jersey Reentry Corporation – “The New Jersey Reentry Corporation Veteran Services stands with the Governor in this mission of justice, renewal, and hope — ensuring that those who once fought for our freedom are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives with purpose and pride. The long shadows of deployment and service must be met with understanding, compassion, and action. Every Veteran deserves renewed purpose, honor, and the deep respect owed for their sacrifices.”

CLEMENCY IN NEW JERSEY

Gov. Murphy has exercised his executive authority to grant clemency to a total of 228 people since taking office.

Another wave of clemency was announced on Monday. The governor granted 19 commutations and 29 pardons to New Jersey residents, which were discussed during a press conference at Princeton University (watch video footage here).

More information about the governor’s clemency initiative can be found online here.

• See Related: NJ Governor Pardons Dozens Of Ex-Inmates, Says ‘Redemption Is Achievable’
• See Related: Gov. Murphy Issues More Pardons In New Jersey (See The List)
• See Related: Murphy Pardons 40 More People In NJ As His Term Enters Final Months

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