Pennsylvania and Illinois Residents Outraged by Biden’s Recent Clemency Decisions
This week, a wave of disappointment and anger swept through the communities of Scranton, Pennsylvania and Dixon, Illinois, as many residents reacted to President Joe Biden’s decision to grant clemency to two convicted officials. The commutations were part of a larger effort that included nearly 1,500 individuals, but the focus quickly turned to the controversial decisions involving a crooked judge from Pennsylvania and a notorious embezzler from Illinois.
A Judge’s Dark Legacy
Let’s start with former Pennsylvania Judge Michael Conahan, who was convicted in 2011 as part of the infamous “kids-for-cash” scandal. Conahan, who took kickbacks from private detention centers, sent innocent juveniles into their facilities, and his actions are widely regarded as one of the biggest judicial scandals in Pennsylvania history. Can you imagine the turmoil and heartbreak this has caused families? As a result of Conahan’s misconduct, the state Supreme Court vacated over 4,000 juvenile convictions and ordered the disgraced judge to pay a whopping $200 million to victims.
One of those affected is Sandy Fonzo, mother of Edward Kenzakoski, a young man whose tragic suicide followed his time behind bars due to this scandal. Upon hearing about Biden’s decision, Sandy felt a profound sense of betrayal. “Conahan’s actions destroyed families, including mine,” she expressed, shaken by the news. For families like hers, this latest clemency feels unjust. “Right now, I am processing and doing the best I can to cope with the pain that this has brought back,” she added with raw emotion.
Political Backlash
Even Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed disapproval, stating, “I do feel strongly that President Biden got it absolutely wrong and created a lot of pain here in northeastern Pennsylvania.” The fallout is real, and it raises questions about how clemency decisions are made and who is truly deserving of a second chance.
The ILL-Minded Fraudster
Meanwhile, in Dixon, Illinois, former comptroller Rita Crundwell is also making headlines. Crundwell was found guilty of embezzling an astronomical $54 million, which remains one of the largest municipal fraud cases in American history. Though she was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison, she was placed under house arrest during the pandemic—a punishment that was due to last until 2028. Now her sentence is crushed under the weight of Biden’s clemency action.
City manager Danny Langloss voiced his concern about the decision, feeling a personal betrayal from the justice system. “I don’t like the idea … that with several more years of her sentence to complete, she gets to walk free in the community that she betrayed and stole from,” he lamented. Langloss, who was the police chief when the fraud was uncovered, expressed disbelief that such a decision could be made, given the extensive damage caused by Crundwell’s actions.
What’s Next?
Margaret Love, a former US pardon attorney, weighed in on the situation, discussing how the fallout from the pandemic has led to these decisions. As millions were released to ease prison overcrowding, the system found itself in a tough spot. The Biden administration’s uniform decision-making process led to these commutations, emphasizing rehabilitation and good behavior during house arrest. However, for those affected by the heinous crimes of Conahan and Crundwell, this may seem more like a slap on the wrist than justice served.
As the dust settles, many in both Pennsylvania and Illinois are left to ponder the implications of these decisions. While Biden and his administration defend their choices as helping those deserving of second chances, the voices of those still suffering from the crimes committed are loud and clear.
The cries for justice resonate within these communities, leaving a bittersweet taste as they navigate the challenges of processing this newfound reality. The questions remain: Who truly deserves forgiveness in a system meant to protect the innocent, and what does justice mean in a changing landscape?
