Biden clemency list includes individuals who defrauded taxpayers out of millions
President Biden made headlines last week with his historic decision to grant clemency to over 1,500 individuals through a comprehensive list of commutations and pardons. However, this move was met with criticism from detractors who pointed out that some names on the clemency list were involved in fraudulent activities that cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
One of the recipients of Biden’s clemency was Rita Crundwell, a former comptroller in Dixon, Illinois, who was convicted of embezzling nearly $54 million from the small town. This act of corruption had a significant impact on the community and led to stricter regulations being imposed on the residents. Similarly, former New York law partner Paul M. Daugerdas, who was involved in a multibillion-dollar tax fraud scheme, and Toyosi Alatishe, who exploited vulnerable patients to file fraudulent tax returns, were also granted clemency.
The decision to grant clemency to individuals like Crundwell and Daugerdas sparked outrage among lawmakers. Republican Illinois state Sen. Andrew Chesney criticized the move, calling it a “slap in the face to the people of Dixon.” Illinois Republican Rep. Darin LaHood echoed these sentiments, highlighting the impact of Crundwell’s crimes on the community and expressing disappointment in Biden’s decision.
In addition to individuals involved in financial fraud, Biden also commuted the sentence of Michael Conahan, a former judge who was implicated in the infamous “kids for cash” scandal. This decision drew criticism from community members, including Sandy Fonzo, whose son tragically took his own life after being unjustly sentenced by Conahan.
The administration justified the clemency decisions by stating that they were granted to inmates who had successfully reintegrated into society after being on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The criteria for eligibility included a low risk of recidivism, non-involvement in violent or gang-related activities, and good behavior while incarcerated.
Comparing Biden’s clemency actions to those of his predecessor, President Trump, reveals a stark contrast. Trump granted significantly fewer pardons and commutations during his tenure, with only 2% of clemency applications being approved.
In conclusion, President Biden’s recent clemency decisions have sparked debate and controversy, with critics highlighting the questionable backgrounds of some of the recipients. While the administration defends its actions based on reintegration and behavior criteria, the backlash from lawmakers and community members underscores the complexity of the issue.
