Pennsylvania Governor Disagrees with Biden’s Prisoner Pardon

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro had some strong words on Friday about President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the sentence of a former judge involved in the “Kids for Cash” scandal. Speaking in Biden’s hometown of Scranton, Shapiro expressed his disagreement with the president’s action, calling it “absolutely wrong. ” The case in question involves Michael Conahan, who was convicted in 2011 for sending kids to prison in exchange for kickbacks. Shapiro emphasized the seriousness of the crime and its deep impact on the community, including families who were torn apart by the scandal. The governor stressed that pardons and clemency should be used carefully, considering public safety and the well-being of victims. Shapiro’s comments come after Biden commuted the sentences of over 1, 500 prisoners who were in home confinement due to the pandemic, and granted pardons to 39 people convicted of nonviolent crimes. The president’s move was aimed at extending mercy andcorrecting sentencing disparities. However, Shapiro argued that Conahan’s sentence of 17 years was too lenient and that he should have served his full term. Sandy Fonzo, whose son took his life after being imprisoned under the scheme, expressed deep pain over the commutation. State Senator Lisa Baker also criticized the decision, calling it “incomprehensible and indefensible. ”