My 2nd cousin, is serving a sentence in Autry State Prison, Pelham GA, 30297, for a rape that he says he didn’t commit. I learned about his case after entering a family property matter.
My cousin was a troubled youth, who had never been arrested. In 1997 a man robbed two women and raped one of the two. They described him as having dred locks and gold teeth. After no leads, he was picked up two weeks later because he had dred locks, like the assailant. They also said he had gold teeth, which my cousin does not have. The police who arrested him was said to have a beef with him at the time, and wanted to get him off the street.
The state offered him a 10 year sentence, but he turned it down because he didn’t want to admit to something that he didn’t do, and has been fighting ever since.
He is presently defending himself (habeas). He recently was in court to present his case (9/12) with evidence that was not previously entered. He spoke to me and told me that he presented his case well against the assistant DA. He is waiting to hear how the system responds to his latest defense.
He has also helped 2 other inmates to their freedom because of the legal skills that he has acquired due to his own legal battles. He has lead/organized non-denominational services at his last prison.
His mother, has been by his side from the beginning of this matter. She witnessed the arresting officer’s confrontational behavior toward her son. The victim’s original descriptions of their assailant did not fit George’s description, i.e. gold teeth – except that he was a black man with locks. He had no priors, and has been detained since 1997 dealing with the system and bad lawyers.
His mother has mortgaged her home to help pay for my cousin’s legal fees. They speak constantly and she is a great source of strength and support for him.
I asked her what would he do if he got out? She says that he is very smart. She and her other son, have supported his efforts by sending him updated legal documents so he can better present his defense.
She says that once he is free, he plans to continue his legal training. She also says that, not being well herself, he would have a place to stay, with her, in her home.
I submitted his story after asking his mother’s permission to a production company. He heard about what I’d done and called me (on 10/25/12).
I asked him how is he now? Where is his head at? What are his expectations if he should get out, since he has been an inmate since 1997? After telling me his compelling story I was able to learn that he sounds learned, upbeat and hopeful.
I advised that he continue to manage his emotions and wait. Does anyone know how a person assists inmates who have evidence to show they have been falsely accused?
I wrote this in 2003 and recently discovered it in a desk drawer!
HI, Sylvestercat,
Do an online search of the topic "housing exchange," or "house- or home- exchange," and lots of things will pop up.
There is a busy hot-topic conversation thread going on under "Other Topics" and "Shared Housing Alternatives" on
Check with your state university or law school. There are organizations in almost every state that takes on the wrongly accused. One of these organizations should be able to direct you. Hopefully you might get some more direct information on this site.
Several times a year you hear of inmates that are freed because of being wrongly accused. It is a long process, but what does an inmate have to look forward to. It can give them hope. Best wishes on your endeavor.
Thanks, that’s a great suggestion. I’ll see where that leads.
Janice, FYI, the law school suggestion was right on target. I sent the info to several and got immediate replies. One director forwarded the info to the Atlanta Innoncence project director.
Plus other responses from individuals who were not able to help directly gave encouragement and that was from people in the system, who know how things work.
I couldn’t have asked for more.
Once again, I have to give kudos to the VN community. I really felt that I would get an answer, and I did.
Thanks again. We’ll see where this all takes us.
Thanks for letting us know you got such wonderful response.
I truly hope you all get the outcome you are hoping for, time will tell.
Best wishes
That’s a good point. Right now, I am getting brought up to date on all the details though conversations with my cousin and my recent introduction to and review of the files.
The Innocence Project director also requested information from us. Now, We have to make sure that we follow up as quickly as possible.
I’m learning how this all works as I go.
Thanks again ladies.