President Biden grants 39 pardons and commutes nearly 1,500 sentences

President Joe Biden of the United States has granted presidential pardons to 39 American citizens found guilty of non-violent offenses and has commuted the sentences of approximately 1,500 additional individuals. Among those whose sentences were commuted are some convicted of fraud schemes involving millions of dollars. The White House characterized this action as the largest number of presidential clemency acts issued on a single day. This action follows Biden’s earlier decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who had been criminally convicted. In his announcement regarding these actions, President Biden stated that the individuals receiving pardons had “shown successful rehabilitation and have shown commitment to making their communities stronger and safer”. The Constitution of the United States stipulates that a president possesses the extensive “power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States, except in cases of impeachment”. A list of 39 pardoned individuals was released by the White House, indicating that these individuals had committed either a “non-violent offense” or a “non-violent drug offense”. The specific crimes for which they were convicted were not detailed. A number of those granted pardons had already been released from incarceration. Many were veterans, or had established themselves as community leaders or advocates. The White House provided details on one pardon recipient, a 49-year-old resident of Virginia, who was convicted of a drug offense when he was 21. Following the completion of his sentence, he pursued a university degree, achieved a successful career in the US Army and Air Force, and volunteered with charitable organizations assisting veterans. According to a White House statement, which included brief biographies for all pardon recipients, he is known “as exceptionally hard working, dedicated, and trustworthy by those who know him”. The 1,499 commuted sentences encompass individuals who were under home confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic, alongside others whose sentences President Biden considered excessively lengthy due to obsolete legislation. Regarding those whose sentences he commuted, Biden stated, “shown that they deserve a second chance”. President Biden pledged “more steps in the weeks ahead”. Noteworthy individuals whose sentences were commuted include Timothy McGinn, aged 76, a former stockbroker convicted in 2013 for defrauding hundreds of clients of millions of dollars, which eradicated the savings of many victims. Another clemency recipient was Jimmy Dimora, a former Ohio county commissioner, who was convicted in 2012 for accepting $450,000 (£355,000) in bribes. These bribes reportedly funded extravagant trips to Las Vegas, prostitutes, and a stone-fired pizza oven. Also named were Paul Daugerdas, convicted in 2014 for supervising fraudulent tax shelters, and Elaine Lovett, convicted in 2017 for defrauding the federal health insurance program Medicare as part of a $26m scheme. The president is scheduled to depart the White House on 20 January 2025, coinciding with the inauguration of his successor, Donald Trump. Historically, Biden had previously pardoned fewer individuals compared to the majority of presidents in contemporary US history. Nevertheless, he had previously issued several categorical pardons. Such pardons are extended to a broad group of individuals who meet specific criteria defined by the president. In October 2022, Biden granted a full pardon to individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession, subsequently broadening this to encompass other offenses related to marijuana. Earlier this year, he issued another full pardon for military personnel and veterans convicted of offenses based on their sexual orientation. Biden’s choice to pardon his son, Hunter, earlier this month aligns with a pattern observed among presidents from both major US political parties, including Trump, who have granted clemency to individuals within their close circles. Hunter Biden was awaiting sentencing in connection with two criminal cases involving tax fraud and gun-related offenses. This action has generated controversy, particularly because the outgoing president had previously stated he would not take such a step. However, he asserted that the legal proceedings against his son were politically motivated. Biden has also considered issuing pre-emptive pardons for notable critics of his successor, Trump, with the aim of protecting them from potential retaliation once the president-elect assumes office. However, reports indicate concerns regarding the precedent such actions might establish. In a distinct development on Thursday, a former FBI informant admitted guilt to making false statements to the FBI, which had initiated investigations into the Biden family. Alexander Smirnov confessed to having fabricated “fabrications” concerning Biden and his son receiving bribes from the Ukrainian energy company Burisma. This assertion had been utilized by Republicans in Congress as evidence of corruption. During his initial term in the White House, Trump issued 237 acts of clemency, as reported by the Pew Research Center. This total comprised 143 pardons and 94 commuted sentences. A significant number of these were granted in a rapid succession before his departure from office. Recently, Trump has committed to granting pardons on his first day in office to individuals convicted for their involvement in the 6 January 2021 riot at Capitol Hill, an event where his supporters attempted to obstruct the certification of Biden’s electoral win. He stated this week that these pardons would be for those who were “non-violent”. In an interview with Time magazine on Thursday, he remarked, “A vast majority should not be in jail, and they’ve suffered gravely.”