Official records and announcements from the U.S. Congress

Biden Commutes Sentences for 1,500 Non-Violent Offenders, Sparks Controversy

Dec 13, 2024, 10:45 AM

President Joe Biden has granted clemency to nearly 1,500 individuals, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history. The initiative includes commuting the sentences of approximately 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as pardoning 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. Among those whose sentences were commuted are high-profile figures such as Rita Crundwell, the former comptroller of Dixon, Illinois, who was convicted of embezzling over $50 million, and Michael Conahan, a judge involved in the 'Kids for Cash' scandal. The move aims to address sentencing disparities and support rehabilitation efforts, with the White House stating that these individuals have shown successful rehabilitation and a commitment to community safety. The clemency action has sparked controversy, particularly with the commutation of sentences for individuals involved in significant fraud and corruption cases.