TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy announced the seventh round of clemency actions under his administration’s initiative Tuesday, granting relief to 24 people and bringing the total number of pardons and commutations issued since June 2024 to 307.
The latest round includes seven commutations from parole supervision, two commutations from incarceration and 15 pardons, marking one year since Murphy issued his first grants of clemency. Under the New Jersey Constitution, the governor has sole authority to issue pardons and commutations for state criminal convictions.
“As we reach this milestone in our clemency initiative, I reflect on the meaningful steps we have taken over the past year to provide second chances to over 300 deserving individuals,” Murphy said. “Granting clemency is a task that should not be taken lightly, and I am incredibly grateful to my exceptional partners on the Clemency Advisory Board and in my office who have worked tirelessly toward our shared obligations of public safety and justice.”
Murphy established the Clemency Advisory Board in June 2024 through Executive Order No. 362 to review applications and make recommendations. Eligible cases for expedited review include nonviolent offenders who have remained crime-free for extended periods, people serving sentences reflecting excessive trial penalties and survivors of domestic or sexual violence or sex trafficking.
Officials said each recipient underwent a comprehensive review, including criminal history, conduct while incarcerated, evidence of rehabilitation and reentry readiness, with victim input considered.
Individuals granted pardons:
- Beasley, Samad: Robbery (1987); distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone (1990); failure to dispose a controlled dangerous substance (1993); criminal restraint (1994); making a false report (two counts) and resisting arrest (1996); distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone (two counts) (1996); possession of a controlled dangerous substance (two counts) (1999); conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance (2004)
- Chiatti, Reginald: Robbery (2002)
- Cill, Lincoln: Robbery (1991); theft by deception (1998)
- Deloatch-Alexander, Nichella: Shoplifting (1998); shoplifting (2000); shoplifting (2001; resentenced 2004); receiving stolen property and hindering (2002); shoplifting (2002); robbery (2003); theft (2003)
- Hammary, Darryl: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (1992); possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute within a school zone (two counts) (1992); local ordinance violation (2001); conspiracy and theft (2004); attempt and theft (2004); conspiracy, theft, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and unlawful possession of a weapon (2004); retaliation against a witness (2004)
- Harris, Latoyia: Attempted theft by deception (2002); violation of probation (2005); two counts of theft by deception (2005)
- Holden, Tyesha: Endangering the welfare of a child (2009); violation of probation (2013)
- Iwanga, Robert: Conspiracy to commit robbery (2000)
- Jackson, Anthony: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (1997)
- Leak, Brandan: Unlawful possession of a weapon (1995)
- Mayo, Derek: Larceny (1982)
- McDaniel, Vincent: Conspiracy and two counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (2005)
- Neville, Lindsey: Robbery (2004)
- Pollack, Rory: Ordinance violations (2009); identity theft (2012); possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (2012)
- Scian III, Michael: Criminal mischief and harassment (2001); distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public place (2005); disorderly conduct (2010)
Individuals granted commutations from parole supervision:
- Bandele, Zuberi: Murder, armed while committing murder and assault/battery (1979)
- Dollard, Thomas: Murder (1991)
- Henshaw, Antonne: Murder; possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose; unlawful possession of a weapon; hindering (1989)
- Kadonsky, Steven: Leader of a narcotics ring; conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance; possession of a controlled dangerous substance (1994); conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance (1994); conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance (five counts); possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (five counts); hindering prosecution (two counts) (1995)
- Komunyaka, Bayete: Murder; aggravated assault; possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose; unlawful possession of a weapon (1994)
- Lee, Wali: Fraud (1983); robbery and criminal restraint (1985); murder, robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (1986)
- McKinnon, Jason: Leader of a narcotics trafficking network; racketeering; conspiracy to manufacture a controlled dangerous substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (two counts); committing a drug offense with a weapon; certain persons not to have a weapon (2009)
Individuals granted commutations from incarceration:
- Page, David: Robbery (two counts); possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose; unlawful possession of a weapon; certain persons not to have a weapon (2007)
- Scott, James: Robbery (nine counts); aggravated assault (three counts); unlawful possession of a weapon (three counts); illegal possession of ammunition; possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (four counts); theft by unlawful taking (two counts); receiving stolen property; certain persons not to possess a weapon (2006)
