Governor Murphy Pardons Atlantic City, New Jersey Man

There have been many reports about the conviction of an Atlantic City, New Jersey man.

This is the first report about this man, Harris Jacobs, and the fact that he was pardoned before the Atlantic County, New Jersey jury had reached its verdict.

During his final hours in office New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has issued a pardon to Harris Jacobs of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

September 4, 2022 Incident

Harris Jacobs was charged with second-degree knowingly leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident.

First Trial Ended With A Hung Jury

The jury was unable to arrive at a unanimous decision.

Second Harris Jacobs Trial

Has taken place during the past week before an Atlantic County Jury.

As recently as this past Friday, January 16, 2026, this second jury was also unable to arrive at a unanimous decision.

Yesterday was the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday, therefore the jury did not deliberate.

Governor Murphy Issued A Full Pardon of Harris Jacobs This Morning

I have learned that Governor Murphy officially pardoned Harris Jacobs at 8:30 a.m. this morning, Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The order of these events matters.

The Jury Had Not Yet Reconvened

Therefore, the jury had not resumed their deliberations.

Effect of Pre-Verdict Pardon

If a pardon is issued before the jury finishes deliberating, it would likely render the trial moot, because The Governor had already exercised executive clemency.

The Timing of The Pardon

In New Jersey, if a jury has already deliberated and reached a verdict before the pardon is delivered, the verdict is often announced. In this case, it would be immediately rendered moot by Governor Murphy’s pardon.

Finality of Verdict

I have interviewed two confidential sources relative to the decision to announce the verdict after a pardon had been granted … but, before a verdict had been reached by the jury.

A pardon does not overturn a conviction, it forgives the offense and eliminates the punishment.

In the Harris Jacobs case, should the jury have been allowed to continue its deliberations after Governor Murphy issued his official pardon of Harris Jacobs?

It doesn’t appear that the jury should have been permitted to continue with its deliberations after Governor Murphy issued a pardon before a jury verdict was reached.

Unless it’s formally challenged, the jury's decision will remain on the record.

See Below, Atlantic City Is The Home Of Many Significant Firsts