November 25, 2015
New Jersey Governer and U.S. presidential candidate Chris Christie announced Wednesday that he has pardoned a Philadelphia man who "reclaimed his life from addiction" after he was convicted more than four decades ago on drug-related charges.
At a news conference, Christie said he made the decision on behalf of 61-year-old John Berry, whose 1972 conviction for robbery and possession of stolen property stemmed from crimes he committed while under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Atlantic County, NJ.com reports. Then 18 years old, Berry shoplifted toy guns and used them as part of a hold-up.
Berry, now a father of four, thanked Governor Christie and said he hoped his example would serve as a warning to those who have been "bit by the same dog." At the time, he served nearly a year at a New Jersey youth correction facility and spent four years on parole in Pennsylvania. The pardon enables him to vote and tell employers that he does not have any felony convictions.
Berry's pardon is the fourth Christie has given to out-of-state citizens in the past two months after three people were cleared of violations against New Jersey's stringent gun laws.
Earlier this month, Christie drew widespread praise for an impassioned personal plea about drug addiction during a town hall meeting in New Hampshire.
Berry, crediting his faith, proudly announced that he has been sober for 28 years, one month and a week.
