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President Biden’s recent clemency grants included several former Democratic politicians and public officials convicted of corruption, sparking controversy and criticism from victims and local leaders.
Among the approximately 1,500 individuals receiving clemency were former officials like Luzerne County Judge Michael Conahan, who was convicted in the infamous “Kids for Cash” scandal. Conahan, along with another judge, received millions in kickbacks for sending children to private detention facilities where they held financial interests.
No way to argue the fact, Joe Biden is abusing his power of presidential pardons. pic.twitter.com/rAo8cBqQKs
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) December 16, 2024
The decision drew sharp criticism from those impacted by Conahan’s actions. Amanda Lorah, who was wrongfully imprisoned, described it as a “slap in the face” to Fox 59. Sandy Fonzo, whose son died by suicide after being detained, expressed her shock and distress.
“Conahan’s actions destroyed families, including mine, and my son’s death is a tragic reminder of the consequences of his abuse of power,” Fonzo said in a statement to The Citizen’s Voice. “This pardon feels like an injustice for all of us who still suffer. Right now I am processing and doing the best I can to cope with the pain that this has brought back.”
Even Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized Biden’s decision, stating he got it “absolutely wrong” and caused significant pain in Pennsylvania, according to the Penn Capital Star.
“Governors and presidents have unique power to grant pardons and clemency and commute sentences. It is an absolute power, and it is a power that should be used incredibly carefully,” Shapiro said on Friday.
Other recipients included former Democratic New York State Assemblyman William F. Boyland Jr., convicted of bribery and fraud, and former Florida state senate candidate Anis Blemur, who orchestrated a $1.6 million real estate scam targeting South Florida’s Haitian community.
Former Democratic Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, whose previous clemency request was rejected by President Obama, also received a commutation. Dimora had been serving a 28-year sentence for accepting various bribes over a decade.
The commutation of Rita Crundwell’s sentence particularly affected the Dixon, Illinois community. The former comptroller had embezzled $53.7 million from the city.
You know things are bad for Joe Biden when his own party is turning on him for his pardons, including his son.
The American people should never trust another Democrat to be President. pic.twitter.com/4i8yCQmjFr
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) December 16, 2024
“This definitely cuts the scar open. It’s not a scab, it’s a scar. It’s a deep one,” Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss told WTTW on Thursday.
Defending his decision, Biden released a statement explaining that these individuals were serving sentences that would have been shorter under current laws and policies.
“These commutation recipients, who were placed in home confinement during the COVID pandemic, have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities and have shown that they deserve a second chance,” Biden wrote.
