Centurion - Freedom for the Innocent

📢NEW BOOK ALERT - BRINGING BEN HOME: A Murder, A Conviction, and the Fight to Redeem American Justice.

Barbara Bradley Haggerty, journalist, author, and long-time supporter of Centurion, has published a book about the tremendous battle to free Centurion Exoneree, Ben Spencer, from his wrongful conviction.

BRINGING BEN HOME is available for purchase TODAY!
bookshop.org/p/books/bringing-ben-home-a-murder-a-conviction-and-the-fight-to-redeem-american-justice-barbara-bradley-hagerty/20908602?ean=9780593420089

This article, published in the Texas Monthly, explores the book and Ben's journey to freedom. centurion.org/2024/07/31/benjamine-spencers-long-road-home/

Moments ago, Centurion client José Carrion walked out of prison in Queens, NY into the loving arms of a crowd of family members after spending more than 25 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. This afternoon, he and Alan Maimon, Centurion Investigator, will fly down to Florida where Jose will live with his mom, surrounded and supported by family as he settles into freedom.

Jose Carrion is the 71st individual that Centurion has freed from wrongful incarceration.

Mr. Carrion was released on parole, but we will continue to pursue his exoneration now that he’s out. He is absolutely innocent of the crime for which he was convicted.

We look forward to supporting Mr. Carrion as he starts this next step in his journey.

Join us at our Annual Gala on Sept. 21, for José's Celebration of Freedom!

Join us in sending birthday wishes to Michael Austin!

Michael is a successful jazz and blues singer in Baltimore City. He reclaimed his life in 2001 after losing 27 years for a crime he did not commit. He has used his talent to provide music programs to middle school students in underfunded communities and often has jazz performances in the area.

We send our love and best wishes to Michael and to a great year ahead!

CASE UPDATE - KERRY MAX COOK IS EXONERATED!

Yesterday we received the INCREDIBLE news that the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has FINALLY exonerated Kerry Max Cook! Kerry spent 20 brutal years on death row for a 1977 murder he did not commit. His fight for freedom seemed endless as he fought his way up and down the TX court system. Now, nearly 30 years after Kerry was freed he has been EXONERATED!!

The Texas Tribune article, Texas court finds Kerry Max Cook innocent of 1977 murder, ending decades-long quest for exoneration, highlights some of the unbelievable twists and turns in his case.

READ IT HERE: texastribune.org/2024/06/19/kerry-max-cook-innocent-texas-court/

Happy Juneteenth! Celebrating FREEDOM for ALL!

Centurion's mission is bringing freedom to those who have been wrongfully imprisoned. Today, as we observe Juneteenth, a day to honor the 1865 emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved in the United States, we keep those we have yet to free in our hearts.

#1865

In the pursuit of justice, Centurion’s responsibility extends beyond the courtroom; it encompasses the crucial task of supporting those who have emerged from the shadows of wrongful conviction. The release of an individual who has been wrongfully convicted marks the end of a harrowing chapter in their life, but it also signals the beginning of a challenging journey towards rebuilding a life grounded in self-determination. Beyond the prison walls, these exonerees face a myriad of obstacles as they strive to reintegrate into society, regain their dignity, and find a semblance of normalcy.

Since 2020, Centurion has strategically expanded its efforts to provide comprehensive post-release support services to our clients. With the support of our Executive Director and our LCSW, Centurion’s Post-Release Support services addresses six core priorities.

Read more about our PRS Services at: centurion.org/prss/

Scan the QR code below to read the article in TAPinto Princeton.

Sending birthday wishes to Dwayne LeBlanc!!

Dwayne was released in Oct. 2022 after 28 years of being wrongfully convicted in LA. He is currently residing in LA, rebuilding his life as an entrepreneur and nonprofit founder, enjoying fatherhood, and spending time with his family and friends.

Dwayne we send you the best today and everyday. Hope you have a very happy birthday!

Dwayne, with his twin brother, Dwight-r (Happy Bday to you too Dwight) and Jim McCloskey-center, at our 40th Anniversary Gala where Dwyane was one of our honorees.

Update on one of our cases....

The Conviction Review Unit in Minnesota recommends BRIAN PIPPITT be exonerated for a 1998 murder case for which he was wrongfully convicted and serving a life sentence in Aitkin County, MN.

We thank Jim Cousins, Centurion Attorney & Investigator, for his continued work on this case.

“Mr. Pippitt has been wrongly incarcerated for 25 years,” Cousins said. “It is an unconscionable injustice that anyone would now block his immediate release.”

Read the full article about this update on Kare11.com - https://www.kare11.com/article/news/investigations/kare-11-investigates-ag-review-finds-minnesota-man-wrongly-convicted-of-murder-brian-pippitt/89-97f7b38d-512a-447e-8b37-6da7ee7dd5d8

Happy Friday! Here's to the weekend! MEGA SALE - Don't miss out on getting your I DIDN'T DO IT or THEY DIDN'T DO IT merch.

Enjoy 45% off most items and free shipping on any purchases over $75 with coupon BlowOut24

Shop our merch - https://centurion.org/store/

Coupon end July 31, 2024

Wishing Kenneth Gardiner a very happy birthday!

Ken (and two of his army buddies - Mark Jones & Dominic Lucci) spent 25 years in a GA prison for a murder he did not commit. Ken was freed in 2017 and all charges dismissed in 2018. Ken currently lives and works in Texas and is enjoying his life.

Read about Ken's story: https://centurion.org/cases/gardiner-kenneth/

Have a wonderful birthday Ken!

SAVE THE DATE! SEPT. 21, 2024

Centurion's Annual Gala
Location: New York Historical Society

Celebrating the men and women Centurion has freed from wrongful imprisonment and honoring Kate Germond

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
https://centurion.org/sponsorship2024/

Invitations coming soon!

Please join us in wishing Richard Miles a very happy bday!

Richard spent 15 years in a Texas prison for a murder he did not commit. His case was the first non-DNA case of actual innocence in Texas.

He currently lives in TX with his wife and two daughters, is an advocate for justice and the founder of Miles of Freedom. (among a host of great accomplishments).

Richard we wish you all the best on this day and all days! Enjoy!

📰🎉ANNOUNCEMENT....
We are thrilled to share that our client, Sam Grasty, and his co-defendants, Derrick Chappell and Morton Johnson, have had their convictions VACATED! Mr. Grasty has been wrongfully imprisoned for nearly 25. While we do not have details on their potential release date at this time, we will share details as they unfold.

Please join us in congratulating Paul Casteleiro, Christina François, Kim Weston, Alan Maimon, and everyone on the team that played a part in securing this decision! It has been a herculean effort!

🎊🎉🎈Join us in sending birthday wishes to Ricky Birch!

Ricky spent 30 years in a CT prison for a crime he did not commit. Since his release in 2019, Ricky has remained in CT and lives with his partner Georgiana, and their dog, Maisie. He works full-time as a supervisor for a road marking co, that specializes in airport tarmacs & parking areas.

We wish you a wonderful day and a great year ahead!

Martin Luther King Day 2024

How will you honor, remember, and celebrate this day of service?

The Centurion family joins our entire community in mourning the loss of longtime supporter, advocate, and dear friend, Judy Scheide.

Judy shared a deep connection with the people we serve, and was always there to spend time with them, share stories, and let them know that they were loved. Centurion would not be where or what it is today without Judy's love and support, and the love and support of her late husband, Bill. The Scheide's generosity and ambassadorship extends back to the 90s and helped to shape our work; their impact is deeply woven into the fabric of our organization and into our hearts.

Judy will be missed beyond measure. May she rest in peace knowing that she truly changed people's worlds.

TODAY, DECEMEBER 14TH, MARTIN LUCIO SANTILLAN IS CELEBRATING HIS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF FREEDOM from wrongful incarceration, and is looking forward to spending the holidays with family and friends.

Lucio spent more than 25 years in prison for a crime that he did not commit. After a decade-long fight, Centurion helped to prove that Mr. Santillan could not have been the perpetrator of the cold blooded shooting that took a man’s life.

WE NEED YOU TO HELP US BRING MORE INNOCENT PEOPLE, like Mr. Santillan, HOME and reunite them with the families that love them.

DONATE NOW: https://centurion.org/donatenow/
Watch: Martin Lucio Santillan's celebration of freedom at our 40th Anniversary Gala! https://centurion.org/event/40th-anniversary-gala/

🎊Join us in wishing Mark Schand a very happy birthday!

Mark spent 27-years wrongfully incarcerated in a MA prison. Since his release in 2013, he has become an entrepreneur and advocate for prosecutorial accountability. He owns a smoothie shop with two locations - Sweetwater Juice Bar & Deli - a clothing store, and mentors young men in the art of entrepreneurship. He is happily married to his wife, Mia, who supported him through his 27-years of wrongful incarceration. They spend a lot of quality time with their three boys and several grandchildren.

Mark, we hope you are having a very happy birthday and a great year ahead!

Support Centurion on

WWW.CENTURION.ORG/DONATENOW

🎉🎊Join us in sending birthday wishes to Walter Lomax!

Since his release in 2007, from 40 years of wrongful imprisonment, Mr. Lomax has used his voice to become a powerful, influential advocate for criminal justice reform in MD. He is the founder and leader of the Maryland Restorative Justice Initiative. In 2021, The Walter Lomax Act was signed into law, overhauling how the state compensates people who are wrongfully convicted, sentenced and incarcerated for crimes.

Walter we hope you have a very happy birthday and many more to come. Thank you for being for those who have been negatively impacted by our criminal legal system!

🎊🎉Join us in wishing Miracle of Innocence's co-founder Darryl Burton a very happy birthday!

After his release in 2008 from 24 years of wrongful imprisonment, Darryl co-founded Miracle of Innocence, a not-for-profit organization focused on freeing the wrongfully imprisoned in the Kansas City, MO region. He is also an Associate Pastor at Church of the Resurrection, the largest United Methodist Church in the US, located in MO where he and his wife, Valerie, live with their children.

Darryl we wish you all the best on your bday and a very happy year ahead!