In an unprecedented move, President Joe Biden granted pardons to 39 Americans convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 others, including individuals convicted of multi-million dollar fraud schemes. The White House described it as the largest single-day clemency action in modern U.S. history.
The pardons, announced by the Biden administration, cover a range of individuals convicted of offenses such as non-violent drug offenses and other crimes that have been deemed by the president as ones in which the individuals demonstrated successful rehabilitation. In his announcement, Biden emphasized that the recipients had “shown commitment to making their communities stronger and safer.”
One notable example of those pardoned is a 49-year-old Virginia man who, after being convicted of a drug offense at age 21, went on to serve in both the U.S. Army and Air Force, earn a university degree, and volunteer with veterans’ organizations. The White House described him as “exceptionally hardworking, dedicated, and trustworthy.”
In addition to pardons, Biden commuted the sentences of 1,499 individuals, many of whom had been placed in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The commutations also included those whose sentences were considered excessively long due to outdated laws. Biden noted that these individuals “deserved a second chance.”
Among those who had their sentences commuted were several high-profile cases involving financial crimes. Timothy McGinn, a former stockbroker convicted of defrauding clients out of millions of dollars, and Jimmy Dimora, a former Ohio county commissioner convicted of bribery and corruption, were both granted clemency. Other notable figures included Paul Daugerdas, convicted of overseeing fraudulent tax shelters, and Elaine Lovett, convicted of defrauding Medicare as part of a $26 million scheme.
The historic move is part of a broader trend of clemency decisions by the Biden administration, which has already included a full pardon for those convicted of simple possession of marijuana, as well as pardons for military veterans convicted of offenses related to their sexual orientation. Biden also made headlines earlier this month when he pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who faced criminal charges for tax fraud and gun-related offenses.
While Biden’s actions were praised by advocates for criminal justice reform, the decision to pardon his son has been met with controversy, as some critics claim it was politically motivated.
Biden has indicated that he will take additional clemency actions in the coming weeks, marking the final stages of his presidency before his term ends in January 2025.
