ACLU-NJ Celebrates Third Round of Releases Under The Clemency Project

NEWARK – The ACLU of New Jersey today celebrates Governor Murphy’s announcement of eight commutations under the organization's Clemency Project, an initiative to encourage the use of categorical clemency to examine holistic injustices that have impacted groups of people and consider relief for each person within the identified class. Today’s announcement included a total of 19 commutations and 29 pardons, marking 217 people granted clemency under Governor Murphy.

“Each time one of our clients has their sentence commuted, New Jersey demonstrates that our state truly values second chances,” said ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha. “Thanks to Governor Murphy, more New Jerseyans than ever before are eligible for expedited review of their petitions requesting commutations and pardons. Yet there is still more our state can do: New Jersey has a responsibility to continue its trajectory of decarceration through reforms across the branches of government to make our criminal legal system more just.”

Through The Clemency Project, the ACLU-NJ has represented 90 people, many still currently incarcerated and petitioning for a commutation. The majority of clients are survivors of domestic violence or serving sentences impacted by extreme trial penalties – a reference to people who are serving significantly longer sentences because they opted to exercise their constitutional right to a trial rather than agreeing to a prosecutor’s plea offer.

“Clemency centers the lived experiences of our clients,” said ACLU-NJ Director of the Clemency Project Rebecca Uwakwe. “After years of growth, commitment, and faith, they are finally able to embrace the fruits of their rehabilitation. By extending clemency to our clients, Governor Murphy continues to display his commitment to addressing injustices in the criminal legal system while restoring dignity and hope to incarcerated individuals striving toward redemption.”

“I am thrilled that Governor Murphy has come to Princeton University to announce his granting of clemency petitions,” said Princeton University SPIA in NJ Faculty Fellow Joe Krakora, who has partnered with The Clemency Project to represent clients. “It is a tribute to the work of over 50 Princeton students who volunteered to assist me in filing petitions for clients referred to us by the ACLU-NJ and the Office of the Public Defender.”

Eight of the ACLU-NJ's clients were granted clemency today and will have their sentences commuted: Shadee Alexander, Karla Freeman, Charles Johnson, Rasool McCrimmon, Sammy Moore, Laciana Sears, Gregory Williams, and Nathan Yates.

The following statements are from ACLU-NJ clients who were granted clemency today:

Mr. Alexander was sentenced to 30 years for armed robbery, a sentence three times as long as the plea offer he rejected to exercise his right to trial by jury. He will be released on parole. “I am committed to living a life that is positive, productive, and representative of who I am today: a reborn and effective role model in society. I am thankful for this opportunity to be involved in my sons’ lives and help others experiencing similar struggles as my own,” said Shadee Alexander.

Ms. Freeman, a survivor of abuse from the age of six, was sentenced to 30 years for felony murder and second-degree robbery. She will be released on parole. “In consideration of my acceptance of responsibility, remorse, time productively served, institutional achievements, and overall total amendment of life, the ends of justice have been achieved. I look forward to re-entering society as a productive citizen and am grateful to be granted this second chance,” said Karla Freeman.

Mr. Johnson was charged with murder and sentenced to 52 years after electing his right to trial. His plea offer was 25 years, while his co-defendants were offered 14 years. His sentence was commuted to 25 years. “It means the world to me to be able to be a part of my sons’ lives once again and help people, so they’ll never be exposed to prison life. I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to my community by becoming a productive member of society,” said Charles Johnson.

After refusing a seven-year-offer and choosing to exercise his right to trial, Mr. McCrimmon was sentenced to 50 years for convictions including murder and unlawful possession of a weapon. He will be released on parole. “Time has blessed me with wisdom, understanding, empathy, and compassion, and I am ready to use the skills I have gained to better serve my community and support my family,” said Rasool McCrimmon.

At age 19, Mr. Moore was sentenced to life in prison and 40 years without parole for several convictions, including murder and robbery. He had previously rejected a plea deal of 30 years with a 30-year period of parole ineligibility. He will be released on parole. “I have worked hard to transform my life and am thankful for the opportunity to help to improve greater society and the lives of those around me. I am grateful to receive this second chance through clemency,” said Sammy Moore.

Ms. Sears, a survivor who endured abuse since she was nine months old, was sentenced to 22 years for defending herself against her abusive husband, resulting in his death. Her sentence was commuted to 10 years. “I am ready to go back out into society, love and support my children and grandchildren, work, and be a law-abiding citizen. I thank Governor Murphy for my second chance at my freedom,” said Laciana Sears.

Mr. Williams was sentenced to 42 years for robbery charges, while his plea offer was nine years. He will be released on parole. “I want to contribute to the lives of my family, friends, and loved ones so I can show them how much I love and appreciate them never giving up on me. At 57, I want to live my life,” said Gregory Williams.

Mr. Yates received a 33-year sentence for committing an armed robbery after turning down a plea offer of seven years. He will be released on parole. “As a 45-year-old man, I see every day as a blessing. I am grateful for the opportunity to make my second chance at life worthwhile by being a positive influence on people around me,” said Nathan Yates.