Murphy grants 55 new clemency actions, bringing total to 283 in ongoing second-chance initiative
NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday announced his sixth round of clemency actions, granting 19 commutations and 36 pardons as part of an ongoing initiative to expand second chances for people involved in the justice system. The latest actions — his third round this month — bring the total to 283 clemency grants since the launch of what Murphy calls an unprecedented statewide effort.
“Each grant of clemency represents a renewed opportunity for someone who has demonstrated accountability, growth, and a sincere commitment to rebuilding their life,” Murphy said. “As we approach the holiday season, I am grateful to play a small part in reuniting families and providing a second chance to each of these individuals.”
Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way said the initiative reflects the administration’s core values.
“Our Administration’s clemency initiative remains a powerful testament to what it means to lead with empathy and courage,” Way said. “More than 280 families have now experienced the impact of this work firsthand. I am incredibly proud of this initiative and the opportunities it brings to residents across our state who are ready to begin their next chapter.”
New Jersey’s constitution grants the governor broad authority to issue pardons and commutations. In June 2024, Murphy created the statewide Clemency Advisory Board through Executive Order No. 362. The board, chaired by Bishop Joshua Rodriguez, reviews applications and provides recommendations. Certain categories — such as nonviolent offenses following long periods of good conduct, cases involving domestic violence victimization, and excessive trial-penalty sentences — receive expedited review.
More than 4,000 applications have been reviewed since the order was signed, and Murphy said he plans to announce additional grants before the end of his term.
Bishop Rodriguez said the latest actions reflect the spirit of Thanksgiving and restoration.
“As families across New Jersey prepare to gather in gratitude this Thanksgiving, Governor Murphy has offered many more individuals something truly life-changing to be thankful for: the chance to begin again,” Rodriguez said. “By granting over 50 additional pardons and commutations, the Governor reminds us that mercy is not seasonal — it is a year-round commitment to recognizing human dignity and the possibility of renewal.”
Tuesday’s announcement was held at Santa Isabela Lutheran Church in Elizabeth.
Reverend Ramón Collazo, pastor of the church, said hosting the event aligned with its mission.
“I’m deeply grateful that our church was chosen to hold this moment of mercy and new beginnings,” Collazo said.
One of the 36 individuals granted a pardon, Antoine Nelson, spoke about his years of community service following past convictions. Nelson founded the nonprofit Sons of Someone in 2014 and mentors high-risk youth across New Jersey and Philadelphia.
“I want to thank Governor Murphy and the Clemency Advisory Board for granting me a pardon today,” Nelson said. “Since then, my journey has been centered on accountability, purpose, and community impact.”
PARDONS (36 individuals)
The following individuals were granted a pardon Tuesday:
- Acevedo, Moises: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within a school zone; sentenced in 2006
- Allen, Martel: two counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced 1992; two counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced 1992; violation of probation, sentenced 1995
- Amador, Lenny: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within a school zone, sentenced 2006; two counts of possession with intent to distribute within a school zone, sentenced 2010
- Bolling, Shindon: distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced 1994; wandering to obtain a CDS, sentenced 2003; loitering to solicit prostitution, sentenced 2002; two counts CDS possession, sentenced 2003
- Covington, Jonathan: CDS possession, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute within a school zone, sentenced 1991; CDS possession, two counts PWID, two counts PWID within a school zone, sentenced 1995
- Dent, Timothy: possession of a CDS, sentenced 1994 (amended 1995, 1998); CDS possession, sentenced 1998
- Evans, Ida: possession with intent to distribute, endangering welfare of a child, sentenced 1999; CDS possession, sentenced 1999
- Fortson, Jr., Walter: PWID within a school zone and CDS offense while in possession of a weapon, sentenced 2008
- Galvis, Alex: PWID and firearms regulation violation, sentenced 2012
- Geofroy, Amir: theft and PWID within a school zone, sentenced 2002
- Gora, Daniel: receiving stolen property, resisting arrest, false ID, sentenced 2002; two counts distribution of CDS, sentenced 2006
- Grout, Richard: CDS possession and PWID, sentenced 1977
- Hunter, Myron: two counts distribution of CDS in a school zone, sentenced 1998; distribution of CDS, sentenced 2005
- Johnson, Sabrina: endangering welfare of a child, sentenced 2000
- Mazraani, Ralph: distribution of CDS and distribution near public housing, sentenced 2005
- McKnight, Jasmine: PWID, sentenced 2011; violation of probation, sentenced 2013
- Morales, Carlos Hilario: PWID, sentenced 1992
- Nelson, Antoine: unlawful possession of a weapon and multiple CDS-related offenses from 1997–2010
- Nelson, Michael: attempted distribution of CDS and attempted distribution within 500 feet of public housing, sentenced 2008
- Newkirk, William: two counts distribution of CDS and conspiracy to distribute, sentenced 1989
- Nuradeen, Khayree: distribution of CDS, sentenced 1988; two counts distribution, sentenced 1992
- Oaklander, Stephen: distribution of CDS, sentenced 2009
- Primo, Michael Sean: arson, sentenced 1997
- Ramos, Melissa: distribution of CDS and conspiracy, sentenced 2001
- Raynes, Michael: failure to turn over a CDS to law enforcement, sentenced 2004
- Redfern, Ularc: CDS possession, sentenced 1997; criminal mischief, sentenced 1999
- Rollins, Tamika: endangering welfare of a child, sentenced 2011
- Sanchez, Mario: PWID, sentenced 1991
- Simons, Suzanne: PWID, sentenced 2004
- Simpson, Troy: unlawful possession of a weapon, sentenced 2015
- Smith, David: PWID, sentenced 1979
- Steagall, Kimberly: multiple offenses including assault, theft, CDS possession, prostitution, and probation violations, 1985–1999
- Streeter, David: PWID, sentenced 1995
- Totora-Cardinali, Lauren: CDS possession, PWID within a school zone, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, sentenced 2011
- Troia, Maria: PWID, sentenced 2008
- Ward III, John: distribution of CDS and distribution near public housing, sentenced 2000
COMMUTATIONS OF PRISON SENTENCES (17 individuals)
- Alford, Lamar: felony murder, murder, conspiracy, robbery, weapon offenses; sentenced 2007
- Bacon-Vaughters, Kenneth: felony murder, robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault, weapons offenses; sentenced 2011
- Dudley, Anthony Carnell: robbery, burglary, and multiple weapons offenses; sentenced 2002
- Fitch, Lashawn: murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, weapons offense; sentenced 2014
- Fletcher, Tieheen: murder and weapons offenses; sentenced 1998
- Florence, John: felony murder, assault, manslaughter, conspiracy, robbery, weapons offenses; sentenced 1994
- Jackmon, Morris: felony murder, murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, weapons offenses; sentenced 1994
- Johnson, Derrick: conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, burglary, criminal restraint, assault, weapons offenses; sentenced 2008
- Johnson, Shawn: attempted murder and murder, sentenced 2008
- Jones, Malika: aggravated manslaughter and weapons offense, sentenced 2024
- Miller, Adrian: robbery, aggravated assault, weapons offenses; sentenced 2008
- Murphy, Tysheim: robbery, conspiracy, assault, terroristic threats, criminal restraint, weapons offenses; sentenced 2010
- Prather, Franklin: felony murder, robbery, weapons offenses; sentenced 2009
- Saunders, Omar: murder, terroristic threats, hindering, tampering, weapons offenses; sentenced 2004
- Vaughn, Jibreel: felony murder, robbery, weapons offense; sentenced 1999
- Williams, Jermaine: felony murder, conspiracy, robbery, manslaughter, weapons offenses; sentenced 2002
- Wise, Jeffrey: robbery and multiple weapons offenses; sentenced 2002
COMMUTATIONS OF PAROLE SENTENCES (2 individuals)
- Morris, Julius: murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, sentenced 1977
- Owen, Russell: murder and weapons offenses, sentenced 1991
For more information or to apply for executive clemency, visit www.nj.gov/clemency.
