Among Biden’s Pardons Was A Dangerous Fentanyl Killer

President Biden has commuted the sentence of a man involved in fatal fentanyl overdose, sparking debate on justice reform and drug policy.

Is he just out there pardoning killers, now?

At a Glance

  • Biden commutes sentences of nearly 1,500 offenders and pardons 39 others in largest single-day clemency action
  • Daniel Fillerup’s 10-year sentence commuted for involvement in fentanyl death of New York woman
  • Decision raises questions about justice reform and handling of drug-related deaths
  • Biden administration’s approach contrasts with ongoing fentanyl crisis at southern border
  • Commutations focus on non-violent offenders demonstrating rehabilitation

Biden’s Clemency Actions: A Shift in Drug Policy?

President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 offenders and pardoned 39 others – the largest number of commutations and clemencies granted in a single day by any president. Among those benefiting from Biden’s clemency is Daniel Fillerup, a man sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a fentanyl overdose death in New York.

Go figure.

The decision to commute Fillerup’s sentence is particularly controversial given the ongoing fentanyl crisis. Fillerup admitted to arranging the sale of what he believed was heroin to Kate Centofanti on September 29, 2016, in Schenectady, New York. The substance turned out to be fentanyl, leading to Centofanti’s death. This case highlights the complexities of addressing drug-related deaths within the criminal justice system.

Biden’s Rationale: Second Chances and Sentencing Reform

The White House has framed these clemency actions as part of a broader effort to address sentencing disparities and provide second chances. Biden emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and community commitment, particularly for non-violent drug offenders. The commutations apply to individuals who have been under home confinement for at least a year under the CARES Act, demonstrating what the administration considers successful reintegration into society.

“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”

Criticism and Concerns: Balancing Reform with Public Safety

While the administration touts these actions as progressive steps in criminal justice reform, critics argue that they may be sending the wrong message about the seriousness of drug-related offenses, particularly those involving fentanyl. The decision to commute Fillerup’s sentence comes at a time when the fentanyl crisis continues to ravage communities across the nation. The CDC has even warned about carfentanil, an altered version of fentanyl that is 100 times more potent.

Adding fuel to the controversy is the fact that approximately 34.3 tons of fentanyl have been seized at the U.S. southern border under the Biden-Harris administration. This staggering figure raises questions about the consistency of the administration’s approach to the fentanyl crisis and its impact on public safety.

So Biden lets the drugs in and then frees the people responsible for people dying from consuming it…

Biden’s clemency actions surpass those of his predecessors, including President Barack Obama’s record of 330 commutations in a single day in 2017. And it’s not even close.

The White House has stated that “The President has issued more sentence commutations at this point in his presidency than any of his recent predecessors at the same point in their first terms.”

They’re proud of it. Remember that when the 2028 election comes around.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR