- Net worth
- Unknown
- Crimes
- obstruction, other
- Convicted of
- Perjury before a federal grand jury investigating insurance fraud
- Original sentence
- Three months' imprisonment; three months' home detention; $3,000 fine; 150 hours' community service (April 1993)
- Time served
- Three months
Background
Joe Klecko is a former defensive lineman for the New York Jets who played in the NFL from 1977 to 1988. He was a two-time Associated Press All-Pro player and a four-time Pro Bowler. Klecko was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
The Case
Klecko pleaded guilty to perjury in January 1993 after lying to a federal grand jury that was investigating insurance fraud. He was one of 67 people indicted in connection with a scheme involving hundreds of phony insurance claims alleging paint damage to vehicles caused by the Marcus Hook refinery operated by Sun Oil Company. In April 1993, United States District Judge Harvey Bartle 3D sentenced Klecko to three months in prison, three months of home detention after his release, a $3,000 fine, and 150 hours of community service.
Perjury before a grand jury undermines the integrity of the judicial system and obstructs federal investigations. The conduct obstructed justice and damaged public trust in the legal process.
The Pardon
On February 12, 2026, President Trump granted Joseph Klecko a full pardon. The pardon was announced by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson.