Biden’s Christmas “Gift” to America

President Biden's clemency spree freed spies, terrorists, predators, and fraudsters, prioritizing ideology over public safety

Who Wins When Biden Frees Criminals? Certainly Not Americans

Thursday, December 12th, 2024: By, Walter Curt

In a move that has stunned the nation, President Joe Biden’s recent wave of clemency has quietly opened prison doors for some of the most reviled criminals in the U.S. justice system. Presented under the guise of “justice reform” and “second chances,” the reality of this decision is far darker. Among the beneficiaries are convicted spies, terrorists, child predators, drug traffickers, human smugglers, and masterminds of financial fraud—individuals whose actions have caused irreparable harm to the nation and its citizens. The decision to grant clemency to such figures raises urgent questions about the moral and strategic priorities of the current administration.

This clemency spree, largely concealed from public view, encompasses 1,499 commutations and 39 pardons, the largest in American history. While some might argue for the virtues of rehabilitation and forgiveness, the nature of these cases paints a grim picture of misplaced mercy and dangerous judgment. The implications are chilling: individuals who betrayed the country, endangered lives, and exploited the vulnerable are now free to re-enter society.

The Top of the Pile: Chinese Spies, Terrorists, and Child Pornographers

Among the most egregious cases are those of Yanjun Xu and Ji Chaoqun, convicted Chinese spies who undermined U.S. national security. Yanjun Xu, sentenced in 2022 for economic espionage and theft of trade secrets, had his sentence commuted on the condition that he leave the U.S. Ji Chaoqun, convicted of defrauding the U.S. and impersonating foreign agents, received similar leniency. Both men’s actions posed a direct threat to American interests, and their release sends a troubling message about the consequences of betraying the nation.

Equally alarming is the clemency granted to Mofid Abdel Kader Mashal, half-brother to a senior Hamas leader. Serving a 20-year sentence for financing Hamas within the U.S., Mashal’s release comes at a time when Hamas’s activities have led to immense suffering, including the ongoing hostage crisis involving American citizens.

But perhaps most shocking is the clemency granted to Jin Shanlin, a Chinese national convicted of possessing over 47,000 images of child pornography, including content involving infants and toddlers. Arrested in 2021 and sentenced to eight years in prison, Jin’s release was part of a prisoner swap with China. This decision, made in the name of diplomacy, has sparked outrage among child protection advocates who see it as a profound betrayal of justice and the innocent lives affected by such crimes.

Beyond these supreme examples of brazen leniency, Biden has also relieved the sentences of some of the nation’s most notorious fraudsters, drug traffickers, and corrupt public officials. These are not misguided youths or low-level offenders; these are architects of massive schemes that have devastated communities, siphoned taxpayer dollars, and spread misery across the country.

Fraudsters and Government Corruption Kingpins

• Paul Daugerdas: The ringleader of a multi-billion-dollar tax-shelter fraud—one of the largest in U.S. history.

LINK: Justice Department statement on Daugerdas

• Rita Crundwell: Embezzled a staggering $54 million from the city of Dixon, Illinois.

LINK: 2024 Article on Crundwell stealing millions from her town.

• Marc Dreier: Responsible for a $400 million Ponzi-like scheme, Dreier’s crimes ruined countless lives.

LINK: 2009 article on Dreier’s Fraud

• Frank Amodeo: Mastermind of a $182 million payroll tax fraud.

LINK: Article on Amodeo’s plea

• Mark Kuhrt and Gilbert Lopez Jr: These executives were neck-deep in Allen Stanford’s monstrous $7 billion Ponzi scheme.

LINK: Justice Department on their sentencing

• Rebecca Parrett: Central figure in a $2.3 billion healthcare finance fraud.

LINK: Justice Department on Parrett

Drug Traffickers and Human Traffickers

• Matt Nicka: Led a multi-state marijuana empire for over a decade, moving thousands of kilograms and laundering immense sums.

LINK: Justice Department on Nicka

• Cinthia Escobar-Ramos: Pled guilty to drug trafficking cocaine, far beyond the threshold for mandatory minimums.

Court Doc: Plea Agreement

• Eduardo Alvarez-Marquez: Convicted of human trafficking, he brought illegal aliens across the U.S. border for financial gain.

Court Doc: Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus

• Hector Raul Ortiz-Tarazon, Sr.: Operating a multi-state drug trafficking organization that pumped out over 1,300 pounds of marijuana and hoarded millions in proceeds.

Court Doc: Original Indictment

The Price of Clemency

The breadth of this clemency list is staggering. From high-profile financial schemers to drug traffickers and human smugglers, the administration’s actions reveal a pattern of leniency that defies logic.

The American people deserve to know the names and motivations of those responsible for this disgraceful act of “mercy.” And while the cases outlined here are among the most egregious, they are far from the only ones. This clemency list, encompassing 1,500 individuals, is littered with drug dealers, fraudsters, and countless other criminals whose actions have inflicted untold harm on American communities.

Until the full truth behind this reckless spree is revealed, we are left with the grim realization that our nation’s moral compass has been hijacked by an administration that prioritizes political expediency over justice, safety, and the rule of law. Americans must demand accountability before more damage is done.