John,

The work that we do doesn’t end once our clients are freed, and two members of our community are in need of our support in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Please read on to learn more.

In 1982, Orlando Boquete was wrongly arrested in Florida for attempted sexual assault and burglary. Although Orlando did not fit the description of the assailant, he was still convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

Thankfully, Orlando was exonerated in 2006 after he was excluded by DNA evidence. Since his release, he has been living on a small monthly stipend from the government and, because of Florida’s restrictive compensation laws, has not yet received the money he’s owed for years of wrongful incarceration. He has frequently been without a home, and due to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian last week in Florida, he was displaced again and is looking for a home. If you are able to contribute to Orlando’s safety and well-being while Florida bounces back from Hurricane Ian, please make a donation to his personal fundraiser right now.

In 2006, Clemente Aguirre was wrongfully convicted of murdering his neighbors and sentenced to death. After spending 14 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Clemente was finally exonerated. Since his release, he has been relying on donations and peer funding to survive in Tampa, Florida, because his immigration status prevents him from legally working.

Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to Clemente’s house and he now needs our help to rebuild it. We’re asking our Innocence Project community to chip in to help support Clemente and his family during this difficult time. If you can make a donation today, it would go a long way in helping Clemente find his footing again.

Natural disasters can be a tough and scary time, especially for the most vulnerable individuals. Orlando and Clemente have been through so much, and they deserve support during this difficult time.

Any amount that you can give to both Orlando Boquete and Clemente Aguirre will help them secure shelter, safety, and their next few meals while Florida bounces back from this latest disaster. Please consider donating today to show your support for both of these men.

With gratitude,

— The Innocence Project Team