Biden used his executive power to commute the sentences of individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and who he said had successfully reintegrated into society. He also pardoned 39 individuals who were convicted of nonviolent crimes.
These acts of clemency come less than two weeks after Biden issued a full and unconditional pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, for gun and tax evasion felonies.
"America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances," Biden said in a statement. "That is why, today, I am pardoning 39 people who have shown successful rehabilitation and have shown commitment to making their communities stronger and safer. I am also commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who are serving long prison sentences — many of whom would receive lower sentences if charged under today's laws, policies, and practices."
The people who received clemency on Thursday have been serving their sentences at home for at least one year and have made efforts to turn their lives around by getting jobs and enrolling in educational programs, the White House said in its statement.
"These individuals are parents, veterans, health care professionals, teachers, advocates, and engaged members of their communities. Many of them have used their experiences in the criminal justice system to inspire and encourage others," the White House said. "These actions represent the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history."
Several white collar offenders are among those receiving clemency, including notorious BigLaw Ponzi schemer Marc Dreier, formerly of Dreier LLP, who in 2009 was sentenced to 20 years in prison for selling forged promissory notes and stealing from clients, in a scheme that cost investors and clients $400 million.
Former Seattle financial adviser Mark Spangler, who in 2016 was sentenced to 16 years in prison for an alleged scheme to funnel $46 million from accounts he managed into two "risky" startups in which he had ownership stakes, was also granted clemency, as was former Ohio Democratic Party boss Jimmy Dimora.
Dimora was found guilty at trial in 2012 for allegedly taking bribes in exchange for helping with building grants and government contracts for construction companies, and was sentenced to over 20 years in prison.
Biden also granted clemency to a former Democratic judge for the Court of Common Pleas for Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Michael Conahan, who was sentenced to over 17 years in prison for his role in the so-called "kids for cash" scheme, in which he facilitated funding for privately-run detention facilities and steered juveniles there in exchange for kickbacks.
Others receiving relief that were highlighted by the White House include a decorated military veteran and pilot who has helped his fellow church members in need, a nurse who responded to several natural disasters and helped vaccinate people during the pandemic, and an addiction counselor who helps youths stay out of trouble, the statement says.
The White House acknowledged that convictions make it difficult for people to find housing, jobs, educational opportunities, healthcare and benefits.
"Through his use of the clemency power, President Biden has taken steps to unlock doors of opportunity that would have otherwise remained closed to these recipients, who deserve a second chance," the statement says.
The White House said Biden is the first president to issue blanket pardons to people convicted of simple marijuana use and possession, and to former LGBTQ military personnel who were convicted for private behavior because of their sexual orientation. More clemency actions are expected to be issued in Biden's final weeks in the White House.
"I will take more steps in the weeks ahead," Biden said in his statement. "My Administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances."
By Joel Poultney · Listen to article
Law360, London (December 13, 2024, 5:28 PM GMT) -- The U.K. government's proposed plan to pool assets in the highly fragmented Local Government Pension Scheme has a good motive but requires more detail to ensure the floated reforms work successfully, the consultancy Lane Clark & Peacock said Friday.
Lane Clark & Peacock, known as LCP, said it supported Labour's plan to consolidate the LGPS — worth about £400 billion ($505.1 billion) — into a handful of Canadian-style megafunds. The LGPS is spread out into 86 small funds each worth between £300 million and £30 billion.
LCP said, however, that the government must ensure the governance of the pooled structure is right, and that it was disappointed in the limited focus on sustainability, among other concerns.
"Overall, the proposals are positive but as always, the devil is in the detail," Tim Gilbert, a partner at LCP, said.
Gilbert said the LGPS is "huge" and "should not be treated as a single mammoth scheme."
He added that "pooling could deliver better returns, but if these benefits do not lead to a reduction in contributions, and employers need to divert resources away from delivering vital local services to put more money into the funds than is needed, the net impact will be negative."
The consultancy said the proposed changes should help to deliver greater consistency across the U.K. for employer contribution levels and that the proposals should maintain a link to local communities.
LCP also said it wants environmental and social sustainability to be embedded in the proposals, noting that expanded pools will have greater autonomy over investment decisions and should place ESG at "the heart of their remit."
The government is consulting on the measures, which have already received support from the largest pension providers in Britain.
Schemes, insurers, brokers and a trade body said in a letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves in November that they supported her reform program, which included changes to the LGPS and the bringing together of defined contribution master trusts.
The goal is to create vast funds of up to £50 billion of pension savings that are better placed to invest in U.K. equities and illiquid assets. The government says this will boost the economy and potentially create improved retirement benefits for members.
--Additional reporting by Stewart Bishop. Editing by Nicole Bleier.
Update: This article has been update with more information on some of those receiving clemency.
For a reprint of this article, please contact reprints@law360.com.
