TRENTON, N.J. – Marking one year since launching his clemency initiative, Governor Phil Murphy announced Wednesday that he has now granted more than 300 acts of clemency, including pardons and commutations, as part of what the administration called a historic effort to offer second chances to rehabilitated New Jerseyans. The latest round included seven commutations from parole supervision, two commutations from incarceration, and 15 pardons, bringing the total to 307 clemency actions since June 2024.
Under the New Jersey Constitution, the governor holds sole authority to issue pardons and commutations for state convictions. Murphy’s office said each case was reviewed by the state’s Clemency Advisory Board, which assesses criminal history, rehabilitation, reentry readiness, and victim input before making recommendations.
“As we reach this milestone, I reflect on the meaningful steps we have taken to provide second chances to over 300 deserving individuals,” Murphy said. “Granting clemency is not a task taken lightly, and I’m deeply grateful to those who have worked tirelessly toward our shared obligations of public safety and justice.”
Murphy created the Clemency Advisory Board through Executive Order No. 362 in June 2024, the first such body in state history. The order prioritized expedited review for certain nonviolent offenders, survivors of abuse or trafficking, and individuals serving sentences deemed excessive. Since then, the Governor’s Office has received more than 4,500 clemency applications.
Bishop Joshua Rodriguez, who chairs the advisory board, called the latest round a reflection of moral leadership and compassion. “Governor Murphy affirms that accountability and mercy can coexist,” Rodriguez said. “These actions recognize transformation, restore families, strengthen communities, and reaffirm our shared commitment to fairness and human dignity.”
The following individuals were granted a pardon today:
- Beasley, Samad: Robbery, sentenced in 1987; distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone, sentenced in 1990; failure to dispose a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1993; criminal restraint, sentenced in 1994; making a false report (two counts) and resisting arrest, sentenced in 1996; distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone (two counts), sentenced in 1996; possession of a controlled dangerous substance (two counts), sentenced in 1999; conspiracy (to possess a controlled dangerous substance), sentenced in 2004
- Chiatti, Reginald: Robbery, sentenced in 2002
- Cill, Lincoln: Robbery, sentenced in 1991; theft by deception, sentenced in 1998
- Deloatch-Alexander, Nichella: Shoplifting, sentenced in 1998; Shoplifting, sentenced in 2000; Shoplifting, sentenced in 2001 and resentenced 2004; Receiving stolen property, and Hindering, sentenced in 2002; Shoplifting, sentenced in 2002; robbery, sentenced in 2003; Theft, sentenced in 2003
- Hammary, Darryl: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1992; possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within a school zone (two counts), sentenced in 1992; local ordinance violation, sentenced in 2001; conspiracy and theft, sentenced in 2004; attempt and theft, sentenced in 2004; conspiracy, theft, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and unlawful possession of a weapon, sentenced in 2004; retaliation against a witness, sentenced in 2004
- Harris, Latoyia: Attempted theft by deception, sentenced in 2002; violation of probation, sentenced in 2005; two counts of theft by deception, sentenced in 2005
- Holden, Tyesha: Endangering the welfare of a child, sentenced in 2009; violation of probation, sentenced in 2013
- Iwanga, Robert: Conspiracy to commit robbery, sentenced in 2000
- Jackson, Anthony: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1997
- Leak, Brandan: unlawful possession of a weapon, sentenced in 1995
- Mayo, Derek: Larceny, sentenced in 1982
- McDaniel, Vincent: Conspiracy and two counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2005
- Neville, Lindsey: Robbery, sentenced in 2004
- Pollack, Rory: Ordinance violations, sentenced in 2009; identity theft, sentenced in 2012; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 2012
- Scian, III, Michael: Criminal mischief and harassment, sentenced in 2001; distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of a public place, sentenced in 2005; disorderly conduct, sentenced in 2010
The following individuals were granted commutations of their parole supervision today:
- Bandele, Zuberi: Murder, armed while committing murder, and assault/battery, sentenced in 1979
- Dollard, Thomas: Murder, sentenced in 1991
- Henshaw, Antonne: Murder, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, hindering, sentenced in 1989
- Kadonsky, Steven: Leader of narcotics ring , Conspiracy, Possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1994; conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 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), sentenced in 1995
- Komunyaka, Bayete: Murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, sentenced in 1994
- Lee, Wali: Fraud, sentenced in 1983; robbery, criminal restraint, sentenced in 1985; murder, robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, sentenced in 1986
- McKinnon, Jason: Leader of Narcotics Trafficking Network, Racketeering, Conspiracy to Manufacture a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substance (two counts), Committing Drug Offense with Weapon, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapon , sentenced in 2009
Among those pardoned was Vincent McDaniel, who served more than three years in prison for drug offenses before dedicating himself to community outreach and anti-violence initiatives in Atlantic City. McDaniel, now an assistant director for the city’s One Neighborhood Evolution Anti-Violence Program, said his pardon lifts the “invisible handcuffs” that limited his ability to serve fully in his community.
Also highlighted was Steven Kadonsky, who received a commutation from lifetime parole supervision after serving 26 years in prison for marijuana-related offenses that predated legalization. Following his release, he founded a children’s charity, KIDZ 2 the Rescue, which continues to provide resources to youth in need.
The announcement also featured testimony from Ronald McGraw, a Freehold resident who received clemency in November after serving 23 years for a 2006 conviction. McGraw said his faith and education in prison helped him rebuild his life. “I made a conscious decision not to be defined by my mistakes,” he said. “Hope springs eternal.”
Officials said all individuals granted clemency had demonstrated long-term stability, accountability, and rehabilitation. Pardons formally forgive the offense and remove certain legal barriers, while commutations reduce sentences or end parole supervision without nullifying convictions.
Murphy’s office said the governor plans to continue reviewing clemency petitions throughout the remainder of his term.