Inspirational and Sold Out

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1 Inside Inn cence June 2014 An Innocence Project of Florida Newsletter In This Issue It s All About Our Reach 1 Steppin Out: The Evening Was Powerful, Humbling, Inspirational and Sold Out 1 Who We Are 2 Dozens Turn Out for Breakfast for the Innocent 3 Interns Play a Critical Role 4 Stand Up For Innocence: A Night of Comedy with a Few Serious Moments 5 Give the Gift of Freedom 7 14 And Counting 8 It s All About Our Reach Steppin Out: The Evening Was Powerful, Humbling, Inspirational and Sold Out The 3rd Annual Steppin Out with the Innocence Project of Florida was held on May 8th at Mission San Luis in Tallahassee. As always the evening was filled with inspiration and hope. This year s theme for the evening was stepping out and moving forward. During the evening we honored the exonerees who are already moving forward, those who have helped them do so, and the innocent in prison who still wait to take that first step. The sold-out celebration began with a VIP reception with the exonerees, sponsors, special guests, and award recipients followed by dinner and the program. Throughout the evening we heard inspiring stories of the Florida exonerees and how they have moved forward after stepping out from their wrongful imprisonment. California exoneree and NFL athlete Brian Banks then gave a moving keynote address. At the conclusion of the program the exonerees, IPF staff and Brian Banks gathered at the front of the room as We Are The Champions played. Continued on page 6 As the Executive Director of this great organization, I spend significant time thinking about how we should measure success here at the Innocence Project of Florida (IPF). Many different thoughts come to mind. We could measure success strictly based on how many individuals we have helped to free and reunite with their families. If that were the barometer, we would certainly be doing well. Since our last publication of this newsletter, we achieved the exoneration of Cheydrick Britt in November 2013, after almost a decade in prison for a rape he did not commit. In all Cheydrick was the 14th man to be exonerated by DNA testing in Florida. And we aren t stopping at 14. Seth Miller, IPF s IPF s small litigation team continues to seek DNA testing in cases where it can prove innocence. Most Executive Director recently, we achieved exonerative DNA results proving the innocence of a Tampa man who has spent 14 years in prison for a murder committed by someone else. We hope to conclude this case and possibly four other cases with exonerations in the next six to twelve months. If this happens, it would be a banner year for IPF and justice in Florida. But the timing and frequency of exonerations is unpredictable. And to simply measure the success of an innocence organization based on how many individuals it frees ignores the diverse work of these organizations. Given this, our success at IPF is best measured by our reach. Continued on page 2

2 Page 2 It s All About Our Reach (Continued from Page 1) For the first decade of IPF s existence, we have focused solely on cases where DNA testing can prove innocence. While this has been a fruitful endeavor and largely dictated by resource limitations, our reach needed to get wider. Only ten percent of criminal cases have a biological evidence component where DNA could be used to prove innocence. Yet, the same things that cause wrongful convictions in these cases (for example, eyewitness misidentification, false confessions, unvalidated science, government misconduct) cause wrongful convictions in the remaining ninety percent of cases where DNA has no bearing. Because of this, in November 2013, IPF expanded its criteria to accept cases where (1) non- DNA evidence of actual innocence has been uncovered or (2) scientific advancements since the time of trial now suggest that no crime actually occurred. It is absolutely vital that we serve the entire population of innocent individuals in prison, and this addition to our repertoire of non-dna cases of actual innocence will allow us to do just that. Our reach extends far beyond our core mission to find and free innocent individuals from prison. We continue to expand both the number of individuals who we assist with their post-exoneration transition and the diversity in services we arrange or directly provide for them. IPF was the first innocence organization to hire a full-time social work and our social services component is a model for innocence organizations nationwide. It is a moral imperative that we reach further to help more exonerees successfully navigate and succeed in this complicated world. Through IPF s advocacy work, the 2014 legislative session saw a small, but important change to the Victim s of Wrongful Incarceration Compensation Act. The newly amended law will now provide compensated exonerees more flexibility to choose long-term investment options that best suit their needs and maximize the longterm benefit of the compensation. IPF continues to reach into the law enforcement and prosecutorial communities to collaborate and find consensus on key innocence protection reforms. And, just as important, IPF is continuing to reach people in all communities to spread the word about the problem of wrongful convictions. Through fundraising and awareness events from Miami to Pensacola, Jacksonville to Naples, and everywhere in between, IPF staff, board members and exonerees are sharing knowledge and experiences of miscarriages of justice and how they can be prevented in the future. With every school, church, synagogue, or civic organization we visit, we add new supporters to our team and expand our movement to ensure a more just criminal justice system. Our reach has never been wider and we have all of you to thank. Whether through vocal support online, calling your legislators demanding change, attending one of our many events around the state, or contributing your hard-earned money to our efforts, the breadth of our reach, and in turn our success, would not be possible without you! Many thanks, Seth Miller Executive Director Who We Are Executive Committee David B. Rothman, Esq., Chairman Partner, Rothman & Associates, P.A., Miami, FL Robert K. Cromwell, Chair Elect Retired FBI Special Agent In Charge, St. Petersburg, FL Michael Ufferman, Esq., Secretary Partner, Michael Ufferman Law Firm, P.A., Tallahassee, FL Honorable Janet Ferris, Treasurer Retired Second Judicial Circuit Judge, Tallahassee, FL Members Talbot Sandy D Alemberte, Esq. Honorable Harry Lee Anstead Gerald Jerry Berry, Esq. Barney Bishop Rev. J. Allison DeFoor, Esq. William Michael Dillon Rev. Bryan Fulwider Harriet Hendel Lisa Hurley, Esq. Robert G. Kerrigan, Esq. Rabbi Gary Klein Gregory R. Miller, Esq. Michael Minerva, Esq. Paula S. Saunders, Esq. Mark R. Schlakman, Esq. Brian L. Tannebaum, Esq. IPF Staff Seth E. Miller, Esq. Executive Director Toni Shrewsbury, M.A. Assistant Director Melissa L. Montle, Esq. Staff Attorney Anthony Scott, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. Director of Social Services Lisa Prychodko, J.D. Intake Coordinator Jackie Pugh Development Coordinator Innocence Project of Florida, Inc.

3 Page 3 Dozens Turn Out for Breakfast for the Innocent On the morning of February 28 th, the Law Offices of Jerry Berry hosted a breakfast event benefiting the Innocence Project of Florida (IPF). The morning provided an opportunity for leaders from the business and legal communities in Naples to learn more about our work and hear from Florida s 13 th DNA exoneree, Derrick Williams. Jerry Berry welcomes everyone to Breakfast for the Innocent at the Inn on Fifth in Naples. Seth Miller, IPF s executive director, opened the event by asking everyone to close their eyes and imagine the past 20 years of their life college, career and family and then imagine that it was suddenly and completely wiped away with a wrongful conviction. This is what happens to every person who is wrongfully convicted. This is what happened to Derrick Williams, who was sentenced to life in prison in 1993 for a crime he did not commit. On April 4, 2011, after 18 years of incarceration, and five years of work by IPF, Derrick was released from Hardee Correctional Institute. Derrick talked about his life during and after the wrongful conviction, the struggles he faces today, and his gratitude for his wife Evone s patience and understanding. Derrick paused to wipe away the tears as he described the day after his release. It was at a family celebration at Red Lobster. When the food arrived, Derrick stopped and ate. And when he finished, he looked up to discover the others had barely touched their food. They were continuing to talk, enjoying the meal and each other s company. It was then that he realized that he would no longer be told when to eat, what to eat and how long he had to eat. Simple choices that we take for granted every day; ones that Derrick had no control over for more than 18 years. Many Thanks to Our Sponsors! Breakfast Hahn, Loeser & Parks, LLP Table Cheffy, Passidomo, P.A. Coleman, Hazzard & Taylor, P.A. Continental Construction Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Law Offices of Jerry Berry, P.A. Law Office of Shannon McFee, P.A. Long, Murphy & Long, P.A. Lutgurt Insurance McDonnell Trial Law Roetzel & Andress Titan Consulting The Breakfast raised $10,000, which will allow IPF to find and free other innocent individuals like Derrick. Evone and Derrick Williams with Seth Miller, IPF Executive Director; Jerry Berry, Event Host and IPF Board Member; David Rothman, IPF Board Chairman and Jackie Pugh, IPF Development Coordinator. One hundred people turned out for the inaugural Breakfast for the Innocent in Naples. There were only a few dry eyes in the crowd when Derrick Williams finished telling the story of his 18 years wrongfully imprisoned and the struggles he still faces after three years as a free man. Inside Innocence June 2014

4 Page 4 Interns Play a Critical Role Each semester IPF welcomes students from around the world to participate in our Intern/Extern Program. The program is an opportunity for students to earn class credits while gaining real-world experience working in a law office. IPF interns play a critical role in our daily operations. They provide vital assistance with legal review, public relations, and communications. Fall 2013 Summer 2013 First row (left to right): Jamal Burk (Florida State University College of Law), Christina Jackson (FSU College of Law), Ileejah Hutchinson (Florida A & M University), Anna Fitzpatrick (FSU), Lisa Hauser (FSU alumnus), Jada Anderson- Edwards (FSU College of Law). Back row (left to right): David Greenspan (FSU alumnus), Austin Shaw (FSU College of Law) and Justin Roberts (University of Florida College of Law. Not pictured: Samantha Parchment (FSU College of Law). Pictured (left to right): Tyler Gross (Florida State University College of Law); Zachary Nolan (FSU College of Law); James Bodden (FSU College of Law); Jenna Tersteegen (University of Florida alumnus); Lisa Hauser (FSU alumnus); and Nicole Vilomar (FSU). Not pictured: Ileejah Hutchinson (Florida A&M University) and Henry Thompson (FSU). Spring 2014 Summer 2014 Front row (left to right): Robert Disney (Florida State University College of Law), Molly Bunke (University of Florida), Caroline Jamieson (UF), Greyson Wallis (FSU), Alex Christiano (FSU College of Law). Back row (left to right): Stephen Syfrett (FSU College of Law), Dylan Fay (Yale Law), Aseye Ablordeppey (FSU College of Law). Not pictured: Stephanie Twomey (FSU College of Law) and Julian Soto (FSU). Front row (left to right): Stephanie Twomey (Florida State University College of Law), Jenna Tersteegen (University of Florida alumnus), Hannah Beery (FSU), Christine Conradis (FSU College of Law), and Lauren Kurtz (FSU). Back row (left to right): Lewis Glover (Griffith University, Australia), Henye Perez (FSU College of Law), and James Bodden (FSU College of Law). Not pictured: Andrew Gastler (FSU College of Law alumnus). The Innocence Project of Florida is a proud Innocence Project of Florida, Inc.

5 Page 5 Stand Up For Innocence: A Night of Comedy with a Few Serious Moments The inaugural STAND UP FOR INNOCENCE, a night of comedy benefiting the Innocence Project of Florida, was a unique mixture of laughter and seriousness. More than 150 friends and supporters gathered on April 12 th at the Bienes Center for the Arts at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale for a reception and comedy show. Early in the evening, IPF honored Broward County Sheriffs Office Detective John Curcio with the Frank Lee Smith Innocence Award. Det. Curcio has said that it is his job to prove innocence as much as guilt. It is this attitude of seeking the truth that we d like to recognize, said David Rothman, IPF s Board Chairman. In the late 1990s then- Fort Lauderdale Detective John Curcio began looking into unsolved murder cases that DNA testing might help solve. He reopened the murder case of Sonya Marion, and obtained DNA testing on pieces of evidence that exonerated Jerry Frank Townsend and proved the guilt of Eddie Lee Mosley. Additional DNA testing proved Mosley s guilt in other murder and rape cases in Broward County. The comedy show featured two Boston area comedians, Don Gavin and Steve Sweeny, who are both veterans of the National Comedy Circuit and have made numerous television and movie appearances. Many thanks to the Stand Up Sponsors James & Laura Benjamin Boardroom Communications, Inc. Bogenschutz, Dutko & Kroll, P.A. Boss Certified Realtime Reporting, Inc. Bruce S. Rogow, P.A. Chorowski & Clary, P.A. Ian and Marci Comisky Eduardo Fernandez Gables Construction Group, Corp. Jessica and Scott Galya Fred Haddad, P.A. Manny Kadre, Esq. Kozyak, Tropin & Throckmorton McFann & Beavers, P.A. Miles and Patty McGrane Alicio Pina and Rey Villar Rothman & Associates, P.A. Sheldon J. Schlesinger, P.A. Lindsay Shapiro and Greg Rothman Leslie Smith, Esq. Adele I. Stone and Jesse H. Diner Howard and Julie Talenfeld The Collection Betty Mary Vandenbosch The evening netted more than $25,000 which will provide critical funds for our litigation efforts. Det. John Curio, 2014 Frank Lee Smith Innocence Award recipient, with David Rothman, IPF Board Chairman. Exonerees Wilton Dedge, Luis Diaz and Anthony Caravella, who collectively served 75 years for the crimes of others, with Event Co- Chairs Michael Dutko and Adele Stone and Det. John Curcio. Comedians Steve Sweeney (above) and Don Gavin (right) provided a great deal of laughter for the evening. Fox News personality Bill O Reilly joined the festivities. He is pictured here with Past President of the Florida Bar Miles McGrane and the President of the Florida Bar Gene Pettis. Additional photographic highlights from STAND UP are available at Inside Innocence June 2014

6 Page 6 3rd Annual Steppin Out Celebration (Continued from Page 1) The Honorable Nancy Daniels, Public Defender of the Second Judicial Circuit, was honored with the Talbot Sandy D Alemberte Commitment to Justice Award for her tireless efforts at the forefront of the trial process to prevent and reverse wrongful convictions at the earliest stages of the criminal justice process. The Innocence Project of Florida Pro Bono Award was presented to Guy Spearman III, a Florida lobbyist who vigorously worked to obtain compensation from the State of Florida for exonerees Wilton Dedge and William Dillon for their wrongful convictions. Brian Banks presentation was inspiring as we learned more about his wrongful conviction, his five years in prison, five years of parole and registration as a sex offender, and his pursuit of a life-long dream of playing in the NFL. After his exoneration, he fulfilled that dream and now speaks frequently about his wrongful conviction. Brian is currently pursuing his certification as a life coach. Exonerees William Dillon, Orlando Boquete and Alan Crotzer shared a laugh during the VIP reception. Guy Spearman III accepted the 2014 Innocence Project of Florida Pro Bono Award. Brian Banks during his keynote address reminded everyone of our responsibility to work to unlock the truth for the wrongfully convicted. Event Chair Paula Saunders is pictured with the Hon. Nancy Daniels, the 2014 Talbot Sandy D Alemberte Commitment to Justice Award recipient; David Rothman, IPF Board Chairman; and Seth Miller, IPF Executive Director. The evening was brought to an emotional close with the song We Are The Champions, which contains lyrics that closely parallel the exonerees struggles and successes. We thank everyone, especially our sponsors, who attended and made this event such a success. The evening netted $45,000, which will support our on-going efforts to unlock the truth for the innocent men and women in Florida prisons. Friend Chief Justice Harry Anstead & Mrs. Sue Anstead Beggs & Lane RLLP Greg Miller & Karen Rhew-Miller PRIDE Enterprises Associate Florida Power & Light Hinkle & Foran, P.A. Associate Law Offices of Pumphrey & Prince, P.A. Second Judicial Circuit Chapter of FACDL Service Plus Office Machines Tannebaum Weiss, P.L. Patron Greenberg Traurig, LLP Harrison Bail Bonds Event Sponsors Patron Rabbi Gary Klein and Temple Ahavat Shalom Thomas Findley of Messer Caparello, P.A. Luke Newman, P.A. Law Office of Annabelle Dias, P.A. Law Office of Paul M. Villeneuve, P.A. Patron Reginald R. Garcia, P.A. Rothman & Associates, P.A. Paula Saunders, Esq. The Mills Firm In-Kind Anheuser-Busch Companies Republic National Southern Spirits & Wine Additional photographic highlights from Steppin Out 2014 are available at Innocence Project of Florida, Inc.

7 Page 7 Give the Gift of Freedom Your generosity helps to free the wrongfully convicted. Last year IPF processed more than 800 requests for assistance from inmates and their families. We are currently litigating dozens of cases with hundreds more in various stages of review and investigation. Your support will enable IPF to more quickly unlock the truth for innocent people in Florida s prisons, help those whose innocence has been proven to rebuild their lives, and work to reform Florida s criminal justice system. m Please accept my gift to the Innocence Project of Florida, Inc. Amount $ Name Address City State Zip Code Home Phone Work Phone m My check, payable to the Innocence Project of Florida, is enclosed. Mail to: Innocence Project of Florida, Inc., 1100 East Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL m Please charge my m VISA m MasterCard m Discover m American Express m one time or m monthly or m quarterly for periods. Cardholder s Name: Billing Address (if different from above): Card # Exp. Date: CSC: (3-digit code) (4-digit code for AmEx) My gift is in honor of My gift is in memory of Please list my name(s) in your donor publications as m No, thank you. Please do not list me in your donor publications. Thank you for your generosity! To donate online, go to IPF is certified as a nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Service Act section 501(C)(3). Our Federal Tax ID is All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION, CH21991, AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. The Innocence Project of Florida is supported in part by a grant from The Florida Bar Foundation. Inside Innocence June 2014

8 Innocence Project of Florida, Inc East Park Avenue Tallahassee, FL NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID TALLAHASSEE, FL PERMIT NO. 528 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 14 And Counting On November 20, 2013, Cheydrick Britt became the 14 th individual to be exonerated through the use of DNA testing in Florida. I have been waiting for this moment for almost a decade. I always maintained my innocence and now the DNA testing has proven what I always knew to be true. Thank God for DNA, said Britt upon his release. Britt was wrongfully convicted of a 2002 sexual battery in May 2004 and spent more than 9 years wrongfully imprisoned. Cheydrick Britt, Florida s 14th DNA exoneree, with his legal team: Charles Murray, Bonita Springs attorney, and Seth Miller and Melissa Montle, attorneys with the Innocence Project of Florida. IPF worked closely with Bonita Springs, Florida attorney and local counsel, Charles Murray, in drafting key motions and facilitating the DNA testing. Cheydrick is currently living in the Tampa area with his family and enjoying life as a free man. Page 8