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On Monday, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia revealed that he approved 18 executive clemencies in 2024 after scrutinizing a total of 197 applications.
This accounts for 9.13% of the submissions. The clemencies comprised two full pardons, six conditional pardons, three reductions of maximum sentences, six conditional reductions, and one reduction of the minimum sentence. Additionally, 167 applications were denied, and 11 were placed in archived status.
Among the notable full pardons was an individual who settled a minor penalty for breaching the Internal Revenue Code, alongside another individual who, after a negligent act leading to his son’s death, advocated for a law in his child’s memory to avert similar occurrences. Their rehabilitation and societal contributions were acknowledged in both instances.
The reductions of maximum sentences included a 76-year-old man with severe health issues who spent 38 years on parole following a first-degree murder conviction. Another highlighted case involved a 61-year-old inmate who completed 33 years in prison and six years of supervised release in the U.S., recognized for his contributions, literary works, and good conduct.
Conditional reductions were given to individuals achieving remarkable success in their rehabilitation efforts. Noteworthy was a 37-year-old man with a 141-year sentence who earned a bachelor’s degree, started a master’s program, and published multiple literary pieces. Also significant was the case of a convict with a 108-year murder and weapons charge who received a 28-year reduction due to exemplary conduct while on parole.
A minimum sentence reduction allowed a prisoner with a 106-year murder and weapons sentence to be evaluated for parole. He had served 15 years, earned a high school diploma with honors, maintained excellent conduct, and garnered support from the academic community.
Throughout his four-year term, Pierluisi considered 688 applications, ultimately granting 77 clemencies.
