Phil Murphy’s Final Acts as New Jersey Governor Include Controversial Pardons
Former Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, wrapped up his eight-year term with a series of pardons that certainly raised some eyebrows. Among those pardoned was Harris Jacobs, the son of a prominent Democratic power figure, who had been found guilty of fleeing the scene after a hit-and-run accident.
Jacobs, 28, was sentenced on January 20 for a crash in September 2022 that resulted in the death of 76-year-old Orlando Fraga. Jacobs had been driving a 2016 Toyota 4Runner when the incident occurred.
Footage from the crash site shows Jacobs exiting the vehicle twice to check on Fraga, only to return to his car and drive away without notifying authorities.
Fraga succumbed to his injuries later. Jacobs’ attorney, Lou Barbone, contended that his client had no malicious intent during the incident, which he described as an “emotional trigger” for Jacobs.
Barbone stated, “He checked for a pulse, saw someone calling 911, checked the victim again, and realized he was dead.” Jacobs ultimately drove away but did return to report the accident later that morning.
His initial trial in 2025 ended with a hung jury, but a retrial just earlier this month led to a guilty verdict for second-degree leaving the scene after a fatal accident.
Murphy granted Jacobs a pardon shortly before his sentencing. Barbone indicated he would be pursuing a motion to have the conviction entirely overturned.
In response to the pardon, a spokesperson from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office expressed disappointment, noting the severity of the crime and the impact on Fraga’s family. “This case was thoroughly investigated and those involved deserve commendation,” they said, adding that the interference of political connections could skew justice.
Fraga’s son, Kenny, harshly criticized Murphy’s decision, calling it “the worst decision ever.”
Murphy’s last year in office saw him grant a total of 455 pardons and commutations, with 148 issued in this latest round. Some recipients had close ties to Murphy or his wife, Tammy. Among others, he also granted pardons to Democratic Rep. Al Coutinho, who faced legal issues for misusing charity funds, and Mordechai Berkowitz, formerly sentenced for vehicular homicide.
Murphy’s administration was rife with controversies. Critics highlighted his claims of encountering an undocumented immigrant in his home and noted that he withdrew a subpoena against the federal authorities after initial bravado. Moreover, his commitments to improve New Jersey transit were viewed as largely unfulfilled, and some legislative changes have complicated public access to government documents.
Additionally, Murphy faced backlash for multiple visits to his family’s villa in Italy and a notable health scare while abroad during the COVID-19 surge in December 2021.
In a shift of leadership, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way took over the role after the passing of her predecessor, Sheila Oliver, who was acting governor when Murphy died unexpectedly while traveling.
