New Jersey Gov. Murphy announces clemency program to let some offenders seek early release from prison

Murphy, a Democrat, signed an executive order creating the program at the event, where he was flanked by rapper Robert “Meek Mill” Williams and activist and entrepreneur Wallace “Wallo267” Peeples.

Both spent years enmeshed in the justice system in Philadelphia. Peeples said he was first arrested, for robbery, at age 11.

“Since that day, June 30, 1990, I’ve never been off of probation, parole, out of the system. I get out of parole in 2040,” he said.

He has nonetheless found success in music, business and entertainment, he said, leading him to become a proud entrepreneur — and taxpayer — in New Jersey.

“I’m saying that to say this: The possibilities after prison are amazing,” Peeples said.

Murphy had not granted any clemency petitions since taking office in 2018. Justin Dews, a lawyer who will serve as chairperson of the Clemency Advisory Board, said the process would be fair to both petitioners and victims and their families.

“Our work will be grounded in fairness and not influence. Clemency is not reserved for the favored and well-connected,” Dews said.