Kentucky Innocence Project exoneree Johnetta Carr at the 2024 Innocence Network Conference in New Orleans. (Image: Claire Bangser/Innocence Project)
John,
While the Fourth of July, for many, is a day to celebrate independence, for others it’s a stark reminder of their wrongful incarceration and the freedom that was taken from them. That’s the case for Kentucky Innocence Project clients Johnetta Carr and Michael VonAllmen, whose fight for freedom won’t end until they are compensated for years of wrongful incarceration.
Johnetta spent 13 years behind bars and on parole after being wrongfully convicted and tried as an adult at 16 years old, and Mike spent 11 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted based on eyewitness misidentification. But their struggles didn’t end when they were exonerated. Upon release, Kentucky exonerees like Johnetta and Mike do not receive any support to reintegrate into society.
That’s why we’re advocating for legislation that would provide compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration and help them rebuild their lives after the years they lost behind bars.
“This bill is one way to acknowledge the legacy of wrongful convictions and offer restitution to individuals who had their liberty taken from them by the state. Justice can't wait.”
— Winnie Ye, state policy advocate at the Innocence Project
John: Will you please take a moment today to read more about our fight to help people like Johnetta and Mike finally get the justice they deserve?
Today, Kentucky is one of just 13 states that does not provide compensation to exonerees. Together with our partner Kentucky Innocence Project, we’re advocating for legislation that would provide exonerees with financial compensation for the years they spent wrongfully incarcerated and access to services like health care, counseling, housing assistance, and personal financial literacy assistance.
The money, support, and resources this bill could provide would be a lifeline for exonerees who, like Johnetta and Mike, had their education and careers disrupted and missed out on decades of wages and benefits. It gives them the chance to finally be free.
John: This Fourth of July, can you join our efforts to get financial compensation for Kentucky exonerees like Johnetta and Mike?
Learn more about Johnetta and Mike’s stories and how this new compensation bill would support exonerees after they’re released and beyond.
Thank you for your support.
— The Innocence Project
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