Wrongfully Convicted Man Gets Huge Payday

Stacks of various U.S. dollar bills.

(StraightShooterNews.com) – In a shocking revelation of government incompetence and corruption, a convicted man received a staggering $13 million compensation after spending nearly 30 years in jail for a murder he did not commit.

The Massachusetts justice system, tainted by false testimony and fabricated evidence, robbed Michael Sullivan of his freedom and family.

Now, a jury has awarded him $13 million, but state regulations threaten to cap his compensation at a mere fraction of that amount.

Sullivan’s wrongful conviction in 1986 for the murder and robbery of Wilfred McGrath was based on the testimony of Gary Grace, another suspect who struck a deal with prosecutors.

The case hinged on a purple jacket allegedly worn by Sullivan during the crime. However, DNA testing in 2011 shattered the prosecution’s narrative, revealing no blood on the jacket and no DNA match to the victim.

The extent of government misconduct in this case is staggering. Robert Pino, a Massachusetts State Police chemical analyst, was found to have falsely attributed evidence to Sullivan.

The complaint stated that “Pino simply fabricated evidence,” which played a crucial role in Sullivan’s wrongful conviction.

This blatant abuse of power resulted in Pino’s firing in 2007 for misconduct, including fabricating evidence and failing to report DNA matches.

Sullivan’s ordeal did not end with his wrongful imprisonment. During his nearly three decades behind bars, he suffered multiple attacks and endured the heartbreaking loss of his mother and four siblings.

“The most important thing is finding me innocent of the murder, expunging it from my record. The money, of course, will be very helpful to me,” Sullivan stated.

Despite the jury’s $13 million award, Massachusetts state regulations threaten to cap Sullivan’s compensation at a mere $1 million.

Sullivan’s lawyer, Michael Heineman, highlighted the importance of the exoneration over the monetary award, stating:

“The million dollars can make a big difference in his life. He’s thrilled with it. Would he have liked it to be 13? Sure. But he has no hard feelings at all about that.”

Struggling to adjust to life outside prison, Sullivan has lost job prospects and relationships. He now spends most of his time with his sister, finding it difficult to trust people and feeling safe only around family.

While Sullivan plans to use the jury award to support his nieces and nephews and hopes to receive therapy and educational services, the fight for full justice continues.

The arbitrary cap on compensation for wrongful convictions must be challenged and overturned. No amount of money can truly compensate for the years stolen from an innocent man.

Still, it is the least American society can do to make amends for such a grievous miscarriage of justice.

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