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4To vindicate the wrongfully convicted.Centurion is a national non-prot (501(c)3) organization dedicated to the vindication of the wrongly convicted. Since 1983, Centurion has helped free 70 men and women who were serving life or death sentences for crimes they did not commit. at’s over 1,500 cumulative years of life lost. Over 1,100 new requests for help come to Centurion each year and we are currently developing nearly 100 cases of wrongful conviction. Centurion bears all costs associated with proving our clients’ innocence and helping them restore their lives post-release.Our mission:Our mission:
5Board of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsRob Mooney, ChairRob Connor, PhD, Vice ChairJozelyn Davis, PhD, TreasurerNaz AhmedCharles Crow, Esq.Mary Catherine Cu, P.J.A.D.Jim Floyd, PhDJohn GrishamKenneth Javerbaum, Esq.James McCloskeyRichard MilesEdwin Pisani, CPAStephen Pollard, CFPKathy Vik Corey Waldron, Executive DirectorJanet Baxendale, Intake Analyst & Volunteer DevelopmentPaul Casteleiro, Legal DirectorJames Cousins, Attorney & Case InvestigatorPam Feig, Post-release CoordinatorChristina François, Assistant Legal DirectorKate Germond, Sr. Advocate & InvestigatorRosemary Kay, BookkeeperAlan Maimon, Case InvestigatorMadison McCoy, Admin SupportTyler Spikes, Exoneree SupportTrish Traverse, Case DeveloperGene Truncellito, Sr. Case DeveloperKimberly Weston, Director of Case DevelopmentLaila S. Wilson-McCoy, Director of DevelopmentVolunteersMolly Chrein | Lori Freedman | Stacey Izzard | Marilyn M. Jerry | Carol Kientz | Andrea Lauber | Fidelis MachadoJock McFarlane | Ava Milberg | Hannah Shostack | Laura Sinderbrand | Michael ReganStaffStaff
6Welcome to Centurion’s 40th Anniversary Gala!ank you for joining us this evening as we celebrate 40 years of service for the wrongfully imprisoned and our history as the founders of the Innocence Movement! To date, 70 men and women have been released from prison where they were serving life or death sentences for crimes they did not commit. We are honored that you are with us this evening - without your support, these achievements would not be possible.Our 40th anniversary celebration is rooted in one man’s leap of faith and his powerful conviction that the truth, however elusive, is worth seeking at all costs. With dogged perseverance, our founder, Jim McCloskey, established a movement that gives hope to those who would have otherwise been unheard and unseen. We are proud to carry his work into the next forty years and beyond. Tonight, we are celebrating two incredible men who spent collectively more than half a century in prison for crimes they did not commit – Dwayne Leblanc & Martin Lucio Santillan. We will also honor Paul Casteleiro with the Champion of Justice Award for his legacy of dedication to and outstanding legal work on behalf of the wrongfully convicted.To all of the men and women that Centurion has freed from wrongful imprisonment and supported post-release, we are honored to be a part of your journey to freedom. It is our privilege to spend time with these courageous men and women, their families, and the community of investigators, attorneys, and advocates who helped ght for their freedom.
7 5:00PM – Cocktail & hor d’oeuvres reception6:00PM – Main Event, Ballroom Welcome - Corey Waldron, Centurion Executive Director Dr. Stacey Patton, Master of Ceremonies Honoring Dwayne Leblanc - Alan Maimon, Centurion Investigator Honoring Martin Santillan - Kate Germond, Sr. Advocate & Investigator and Richard Miles, Centurion Trustee, Exoneree & Miles of Freedom Founder Champion of Justice Award - Presented by Christina François, Centurion Assistant Legal Director Remarks from Jim McCloskey, Centurion Founder Keynote Speaker – John Grisham, Author, Advocate, & Centurion Trustee Closing Remarks - Corey WaldronMusic, Dancing, & CelebrationTonight’s scheduleTonight’s schedule
8Dinner menu :Dinner menu :-FIRST COURSE-BABY WEDGEStrawberry | Cucumber | Radish | Yellow Beets | Baby Tomatoes | Crispy Chickpeas Balsamic DressingAccompanied by Artisanal BreadsChive & Sea Salt Butter-ENTRÉE-ROASTED ARCTIC CHAR & HERB ROASTED CHICKEN Asparagus | Breakfast Radish | Couscous | Lemon Lavender VinaigretteVegetarian entrée available upon request-DESSERT-STRAWBERRY DELIGHTElderower Pickled Strawberries | Short Cake | Vanilla Basil CreamWHITE-OUT CAKEWhite Chocolate Mousse | Cranberry Vanilla Crémeux | Cacao SauceVegan dessert available upon requestMIGNARDISE, COFFEE, & TEA SERVICE TO THE TABLE -DINNER WINES-Mount Riley Sauvignon BlancCa’Momi
9Gala sponsorsGala sponsorsANNIVERSARYJoan Blessinge Pisani FamilyLEGACYJozelyn & Peter DavisEXONERATEDe Yedlin CompanyJUSTICEPeter & Amy Desmonde family of John C. TuckerFREEDOMWilliam & Ilona CrosswhiteMary Catherine Cu & William WolfDeirdre M. Giblin & David B. DuBardKen & Tema JaverbaumRobert Hilkert & Deborah Toppmeyere Kahn FamilyDana & Peter LangermanRob & Cheryl Mooneye Prospect Hill FoundationJim QueryBill Raynor in memory of Bonni RaynorDr. Jessica Stevens & Stephen Pollard
10CELEBRATION OF FREEDOMDwayne LeblancOn October 28, 2022, Dwayne Leblanc walked out of Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in Louisiana a free man for the rst time in 28 years. His release was the culmination of a 10-year eort by Centurion to prove his innocence.In 1997, Dwayne was convicted in Orleans Parish by a 10-to-2 jury verdict of the murder of a drug buyer and the attempted murder of a police ocer despite evidence that he was living in California at the time of the oenses in 1994. After a thorough re-investigation, Centurion concluded that Dwayne was in Long Beach, California and enrolled at a vocational school at the time of the murder for which he was convicted. An attendance record from the school showing he was in class on the days before and after the murder in New Orleans corroborated this claim.Centurion’s re-investigation also focused on whether Dwayne’s arrest was a case of mistaken identity. Centurion developed evidence that another man, unrelated to Dwayne, who bore a striking resemblance to him and t the prole of the shooter, was never questioned in connection with the shootings. Centurion learned that two New Orleans police ocers thought they had twice apprehended Dwayne, only to nd out that the person they were about to arrest was the other man. is fact was not disclosed to Dwayne’s trial attorney. One of those police ocers was later convicted of ordering the murder of a woman in 1994, a year of unprecedented violence and police corruption in New Orleans.In April 2019, Centurion led a federal petition for a writ of habeas corpus in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on Dwayne’s behalf, after he was denied
11relief in the state court on his claim that the State suppressed evidence going to Dwayne’s misidentication defense and an ineective assistance of counsel claim based on trial counsel’s failures in investigating and presenting Dwayne’s alibi defense. at claim was pending when the Orleans Parish district attorney’s oce started reviewing all non-unanimous jury verdicts, which were outlawed by Louisiana voters in 2018 and later by the U.S. Supreme Court.In order to win his immediate release, Dwayne entered a no contest plea to lesser charges in Orleans Parish District Court in October 2022. At his sentencing hearing, the prosecutor and judge acknowledged that his conviction was problematic. He was sentenced to time served, and after nearly three decades of wrongful incarceration, was reunited with his mother, Betty, his father, Gilbert, and his twin brother, Dwight.Dwayne is now working as a conict mediator for at-risk youth at a school in New Orleans.. His goal is to attend nursing school.Martin Lucio SantillanMartin Lucio Santillan spent 25 years in prison for a murder the Dallas District Attorney stated he should never have been charged with committing. His capital murder conviction was based on an identication by a lone eyewitness, who admitted to drinking the entire day of the 2:00 a.m. shooting outside a nightclub in an upscale Dallas neighborhood. All the eyewitnesses agreed the shooter was wearing a Dallas Stars hockey jersey. DNA testing of the jersey in 2021 lead to the identication of the actual shooter and Martin’s release from prison in December 2022 and his exoneration in March 2023.
12At the time of the murder on July 14, 1997 Martin was with members of his family and friends in a Hispanic bar in another part of Dallas approximately 30 minutes away from the crime scene. Six witnesses testied he was with them all evening, yet the jury convicted him based on the alcohol impaired eyewitness’s identication.e actual assailant, in eeing the scene, threw away the hockey jersey he was wearing which was covered with the victim’s blood. Fortunately, the police were able to recover the jersey just a few blocks from the shooting In 2021 the Conviction Integrity Unit of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Oce agreed to Centurion’s request to have additional DNA testing performed on the jersey and to reinvestigate the case. Previous DNA testing of the jersey, in 2008 and 2014, was unsuccessful.e new testing revealed the DNA of two major contributors on the jersey, one male and one female. A search of CODIS, the national DNA database maintained by the FBI, revealed the identity of the female contributor, but not the male. Dallas police interviewed the woman who told them about an ex-boyfriend who frequently wore a Dallas Stars jersey back when she was dating him in July 1997. She said she remembered seeing him with blood on his hands one summer night. He told her he had gotten into a ght and thrown the jersey away. e man was located out of state in Colorado and his DNA was surreptitiously obtained by the local police and it matched the male DNA on the jersey. e man was arrested for the murder and he is currently in custody awaiting trial in Dallas.After Martin’s release, he began working with Miles of Freedom, a Dallas organization which assists with job placement and reintegration. He spent a few months helping in their food pantry and working on landscaping jobs. Martin is now back living in Dallas near his family and doing his best to take it one day at a time and to enjoy each day.
14CHAMPION OF JUSTICE AWARDPaul Casteleiro, Legal DirectorPaul Casteleiro is the foremost post-conviction attorney in the country. His dedication to the pursuit of justice has impacted the lives of not only Centurion’s clients, but their families, friends, communities, and the workings of the justice system itself. It is our privilege to present him with the Champion of Justice Award for his 40 years of service to the innocent in prison.e pursuit of justice is not always easy, and the path to freedom is never a straight line. Paul’s career is evidence that dogged perseverance, unmatched legal expertise, and a commitment to the principle that no one should suer for a crime they did not commit can lead to profound change. For every case he has taken on, Paul not only fought for justice in the courtroom but provided hope to those who had lost it, a compassionate ear for support through the hard times, and a voice for the voiceless.Paul grew up in Washington Heights, attended New York City public schools, and graduated from NYU where he had been recruited to play baseball. At Rutgers Newark Law School, Paul worked for Morton Stavis, a pioneer in wrongful conviction and civil rights cases. Stavis brought Paul on to assist in the Chicago 8 Contempt Trial. Paul spent three years as a trial attorney in the Jersey City Oce of the Public Defender and then went into private practice in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1980 where he specialized in criminal trials, appellate work, and wrongful convictions. Shortly after in 1983, Paul met Jim McCloskey and became the attorney for Centurion’s very rst client, Jorge “Chiefy” De Los Santos. is case was the start of Paul’s exceptional work on behalf of the wrongfully convicted that continues today.
15Paul became Centurion’s rst Legal Director in 2014. Over the course of the last 40 years, he has been instrumental in freeing 30 people convicted of crimes they did not commit. e cases he has tried have resulted in criminal justice reforms that ensure that all people have a better chance at proving their innocence. His work has exposed and ended law enforcement tactics that result in unreliable evidence, such as hypnotically enhanced testimony and the FBI’s bullet lead composition analysis, and shined a light on the prevalence of false confessions. Outcomes of Paul’s casework have contributed to the establishment of NJ’s compensation laws for the wrongly convicted, as well as the establishment of NJ’s statewide Conviction Review Unit. Centurion would not be who we are today without Paul Casteleiro’s leadership and legal acumen. anks to him, we know that our clients receive the best possible representation, and that no stone will be left unturned in pursuit of their rightful freedom. He is truly a Champion of Justice. “In the business of undoing injustice, victories are achieved in stages.”- Paul Casteleiro
16GUEST SPEAKERJohn GrishamLong before his name became synonymous with the modern legal thriller, John Grisham worked 60-70 hours a week at a small Southaven, Mississippi, law practice, squeezing in time before going to the oce and during courtroom recesses to work on his hobby—writing his rst novel.After graduating from law school at Ole Miss in 1981, he went on to practice law for nearly a decade in Southaven, specializing in criminal defense and personal injury litigation.Grisham overheard the harrowing testimony of a twelve-year-old rape victim and was inspired to start a novel exploring what would have happened if the girl’s father had murdered her assailants. Getting up at 5 a.m. every day to get in several hours of writing time before heading o to work, Grisham spent three years on A Time to Kill and nished it in 1987. Initially rejected by many publishers, it was eventually bought by Wynwood Press, who gave it a modest 5,000 copy printing and published it in June 1988.Since publishing A Time to Kill, Grisham has written one novel a year and all of them have become international bestsellers. ere are currently over 300 million John Grisham books in print worldwide, which have been translated into 40 languages. Nine of his novels have been turned into lms (e Firm, e Pelican Brief, e Client, A Time to Kill, e Rainmaker, e Chamber, A Painted House, e Runaway Jury, and Skipping Christmas), as was an original screenplay, e Gingerbread Man. e Innocent Man (October 2006) marked his rst foray into non-ction, and Ford County (November 2009) was his rst short story
17collection. Grisham took time o from writing for several months in 1996 to return to the courtroom after a ve-year hiatus. He was honoring a commitment made before he had retired from the law to become a full-time writer: representing the family of a railroad brakeman killed when he was pinned between two cars. Preparing his case with the same passion and dedication as his books’ protagonists, Grisham successfully argued his clients’ case, earning them a jury award of $683,500—the biggest verdict of his career.When he’s not writing, Grisham devotes time to charitable causes, including his advocacy for criminal justice and wrongful incarcerations.
18MASTER OF CEREMONIESStacey Patton, PhDStacey Patton, PhD is an award-winning author and journalist who writes about race, politics, popular culture, child welfare issues, diversity in media, and higher education. As a nationally-recognized child advocate, Dr. Patton travels the country delivering keynotes and professional trainings focused on combating racial disparities in child abuse cases, criminal prosecutions for child abuse, foster care placements, the over-prescribing of psychotropic medications to children of color in foster care, the school and foster care-to-prison pipelines, corporal punishment in public schools, diversion and restorative justice programs. She works as an intermediary between social service and law enforcement agencies seeking to improve services to communities of color. Patton teaches journalism at Howard University in the Cathy Hughes School of Communications and is a research associate at the Institute for Urban Research at Morgan State University.She is the author of at Mean Old Yesterday (A memoir), Spare the Kids: Why Whuppin Children Won’t Save Black America, and two forthcoming books: Strung Up: e Lynching of Black Children in Jim Crow America and a children’s book Not My Cat.
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20THE IMPACTFor 40 years, Centurion has given a voice to the voiceless and held a broken criminal legal system accountable for its most agrant mistakes. anks to the support of our allies in justice, we have had the resources to ght the toughest ghts on behalf of families and communities ripped apart by injustice.e 70 releases that Centurion has won as of June 2023 are a testament to the impact of what we do. Along the way, we have left our mark on court systems all over the country, developing a reputation for tenacity and never giving up until justice is served.Our work continues long after an innocent man or woman leaves prison, with an array of post-release support services that help ease the emotional and physical distress of years of wrongful incarceration. Centurion works with our freed clients every step of the way as they process the horrors of the past and rebuild lives for the future. Some of our released clients are now prominent criminal justice advocates. Others have become small business owners. All are now able to mark life’s most meaningful moments with loved ones.ough our work focuses on individual cases of innocence, Centurion also pushes for systemic reform whenever possible. As a result, our work has led to historic legislative victories in states including Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas. On the following pages you will see the faces of the innocent and how their freedom has impacted their families and greater community. We look forward to adding to those pages by continuing to advocate for those still in need of help.e following pages contain snapshots of the lives the men and women we serve rebuilt when they were freed. For most, we have remained in close contact and have recent information. Others have moved into their life of freedom with limited contact. We have the deepest of respect for all of them.e trauma of wrongful incarceration is not measurable and impacts all of the people we serve. e path of re-entry into society and the rebuilding of a life is dierent for each individual. Whatever their journey, Centurion is committed to supporting all of these men and women as they navigate throughout the course of the rest of their lives.
21Jorge De Los Santos - July 1983Milton Hernandez - February 1986Rene Santana - February 1986Nate Walker - November 1986Jimmy Landano - July 1989Joyce Ann Brown - November 1989Damaso Vega - November 1989Clarence Brandley - January 1990Matt Connor - March 1990Gregory Benson - January 1991Charles Dabbs - August 1991Clarence Chance - March 1992Benny Powell - March 1992David Milgaard - April 1992Eddie Ryder - September 1993Edward Honaker - October 1994Earl Berryman - July 1995Richard Johnson - December 1995Steven Toney - July 1996Paul Burricelli - January 1997Geronimo Pratt - June 1997Kerry Max Cook - February 1999Ellen Reasonover - August 1999Ed Baker - December 1999A.B. Butler - January 2000Danny Brown - April 2001Clarence Moore - July 2001Michael Austin - December 2001Timothy Howard - April 2003Dennis Halstead - June 2003John Kogut - June 2003John Restivo - June 2003Gary James - July 2003James Driskell - November 2003•J. Wayne Eastridge - June 2005•Nick Sousa - June 2005•Michael Damien - June 2005▶Herbert Sims - June 2006David Alexander - December 2006Harry Granger - July 2006Johnny Briscoe - July 2006Kevin Williams - October 2006Walter Lomax - January 2007Willie Green - March 2008Darryl Burton - August 2008Marcus Washington - September 2008Richard Ray Miles - October 2009Louis omas - January 2011*Barry Beach - December 2011Frank O’Connell - April 2012Cathy Watkins - October 2012*David Bryant - April 2013 Milton Scarborough - August 2013Mark Schand - October 2013Richard Lapointe - April 2015*Barry Beach - November 2015Jules Letemps - February 2017Billy Ray Davis - April 2017Lamonte McIntyre - October 2017Kenneth Gardiner - December 2017Mark Jones - December 2017Dominic Lucci - December 2017Michael Shannon - February 2018Ralph Lee - April 2018*David Bryant - March 2019Shawn Henning - July 2020Kevin DeSalle - September 2020Ben Spencer - March 2021Larry Walker - May 2021Dwayne Leblanc - October 2022Martin Lucio Santillan - December 2022• Co-defendants. Sousa & Damien released on parole 1995. Eastridge in 2005 when he & Sousa received a full exoneration. Damien passed in 2002.▶Centurion accepted & began working on the case; parole was granted prior to any hearings.*Was released from prison, ordered to return, and released again.INDIVIDUALS CENTURION HAS SERVED SINCE 1983
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2424An innocent person’s journey from wrongful imprisonment to a thriving life after their release is marked by many milestones. At Centurion, we are committed to walking alongside our clients along every step of that journey. With your contributions, we are able to support the people we serve from the day we take on a case and add an innocent person’s name to our Client Board, through their long and winding ght for justice, into the lives we help them build post-releaseCenturion marks a crucial part of each person’s journey with a Name Removal Ceremony at our national headquarters in Princeton, NJ. It’s an emotional moment of closure, community, and gratitude. Let’s get more names taken o of our Client Board and bring our innocent clients home!
2525Theydidntdo it., Location: Newark, NJ Freed: July 1983 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 8Centurion’s story begins with Jorge’s case. Jorge’s dogged pursuit of justice persuaded Jim McCloskey to take on the arduous and unmapped journey to prove Jorge’s innocence. e work that Jim and Paul Casteleiro did on Jorge’s case was the start of the innocence movement as we know it today. It took three years to prove Jorge’s innocence and secure his freedom. Jorge passed away in 1990, just seven years after his release. Location: Jersey City, NJ Freed: February 1986 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 3Milton was a carpenter in Jersey City prior to being wrongfully convicted in 1983. After his release, he returned home and continued his craftsmanship.Jorge De Los SantosMilton HernandezIdidn tdo it.,‘
2626 Location: Newark, NJ Freed: February 1986 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 10Rene is married, has a child, and works for the Dominican Republic Police Agency as an interpreter. Location: Elizabeth, NJ Freed: November 1986 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 12Nate was supported by his family, including his wife Sharon, throughout his 12-years of wrongful incarceration. After his release, he fought tirelessly to abolish the Death Penalty in New Jersey. Nate has since passed, but his advocacy eorts are remembered. Location: Hudson County, NJ Freed: July 1989 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 13Jimmy became a paralegal at the law rm of Neil Mullin and Nan Smith. A very impassioned man who enjoyed his work, life with his wife Camille, two daughters and three grandchildren. He died in November 2002 at the age of 63.Nate WalkerJimmy LandanoRene Santana
2727Joyce was an inspiration to many. A powerful speaker and advocate, she channeled her passion for justice into establishing MASS - Mothers (Fathers) for the Advancement of Social Systems, an organization to aid reentry to society after incarceration. Joyce introduced Centurion to several of our clients in TX prior to her death in June 2015, at the age of 68.Damaso was a prolic songwriter, with several of his compositions making their way to a few Hispanic radio stations. He was also an impressive shadetree mechanic, husband, and father of several children who he was able to reconnect with before passing.Before incarceration, Clarence was a soft spoken family man, a storefront preacher, & TX rail system worker. His wrongful conviction inspired his international advocacy against the death penalty. His case gained national attention as the rst man to walk o of TX’s Death Row. His story became a book and biographical lm. He died in September 2018 at the age of 66.Joyce Ann BrownDamaso VegaClarence BrandleyLocation: Dallas, TXFreed: November 1989Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 9Location: Long Branch, NJFreed: November 1989Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 7Location: Conroe, TXFreed: January 1990Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 10
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2929Matt married shortly after he was freed in 1990 at the age of 53. He was able to win compensation for his 12-years in prison and lived until 2004.After being released, Gregory briey worked for Centurion in an eort to help others who were victimized by the criminal legal system.Matt Connor Gregory Benson Charles DabbsLocation: Philadelphia, PA Freed: February 1990Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 12Location: Elizabeth, NJFreed: November 1991Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 13Location: Westchester Co., NYFreed: August 1991Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 9Ididn tdo it.,
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3131Clarence, a member of his family’s soul group prior to his wrongful conviction, married shortly after he was freed and was given compensation from the city of Los Angeles. Upon receiving his compensation, Clarence generously took care of his family, buying his mother a car and helping out his sibling as he could.After his release, Benny was awarded compensation for the “gross injustices” of the wrongful conviction.David married his sweetheart, Cristina, shortly after his release and they had two children. He was an advocate and public speaker for the wrongfully convicted in Canada, working closely with Innocence Canada and was appointed to the Independent Review Board Working Group. He died in May 2022 at the age of 69.Clarence Chance Benny PowellDavid MilgaardLocation: Los Angeles, CAFreed: March 1992Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 17Location: Los Angeles, CAFreed: March 1992Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 17Location: Saskatoon, CanadaFreed: April 1992Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 23
3232 Location: Philadelphia, PA Freed: September 1993 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 19Once freed, Eddie was able to focus on his passion for music and became an accomplished jazz trumpeter. He went on to play at a variety of venues throughout the Philadelphia area. Location: Nelson County, VA Freed: October 1994 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 10Ed was known by many for his “thousand watt smile.” After his release he married a concert violinist, enjoyed painting and writing, and self-published two novels. He also owned a pilot car company with contracts for routes along the east coast. He passed in June of 2015 at the age of 65. Location: Irvington, NJ Freed: July 1995 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 10Earl is remembered as a very gentle man. After his release he married the woman he loved and they moved to Virginia. He was a Warehouse Technician until the time of his passing.Edward HonakerEarl BerrymanEdward Ryder
3333After he was exonerated by DNA evidence, he was reunited with his sister and her family. He was awarded a modest compensation to assist with rebuilding his life.Steve served in the US Military prior to his wrongful conviction. Once free, he lived with his high school sweetheart and worked a number of dierent jobs, including as a speaker raising awareness about wrongful conviction. He passed away in November 2017 at the age of 71.Once released from prison, Paul remained in New Jersey.Richard Johnson Steven ToneyPaul BurricelliLocation: Chicago, ILFreed: December 1995Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 4Location: St. Louis, MOFreed: September 1996Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 13Location: Woodbridge, NJFreed: January 1997Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 12Ididn tdo it.,
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3535Geronimo was a staunch advocate for the wrongfully imprisoned after he was released. He moved to Tanzania, in East Africa where he lived with his wife, Asahki Ji Jaga, and children, and started an organization building wells in small villages in Tanzania. He died at the age of 63 in June 2011.Kerry is a global public speaker and author of Chasing Justice. His presentations focus on his personal experiences as a wrongfully convicted Texas death row inmate. He currently lives in TX with his wife and son as he continues to ght for his full legal exoneration.After her release, Ellen enjoyed spending time shing and getting connected with her family. She currently lives in St. Louis and appreciates quality time with her daughter, Charmell and grandchildren, Harlem and Jour’nee.Geronimo Pratt Kerry Max Cook Ellen ReasonoverLocation: Los Angeles, CAFreed: June 1997Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 12Location: Tyler, TXFreed: February 1999Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 22Location: St. Louis, MOFreed: February 1999Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 22
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3838 Location: Philadelphia, PA Freed: December 1999 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 26Ed became a skilled electrician while incarcerated. He worked several years for the Electricians Union of Philadelphia, purchased a home, and retired just a few years ago. Remaining connected to Centurion, he opened up his home for a fellow exoneree after their release from a NY prison. Ed still lives in the “City of Brotherly Love”. Location: Tyler, TX Freed: January 2000 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 17AB is a thoughtful and caring man. He and his wife, Sheila, live in TX. AB’s past hobbies included racing cars, and today, he stays connected to his passion as a truck acionado. While in prison he became friends with James Waller, another TX exoneree; they remain close friends to this day. Location: Toledo, OH Freed: April 2001 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 19Like many, after release Danny still had a battle ahead of him. He fought unsuccessfully for several years to receive a full exoneration and compensation for the two decades he lost while wrongfully incarcerated. Over the years Danny has been a traveler, spending time with several exonerees across the country. He is now 65 years old and concentrates on taking care of his health.A.B. ButlerDanny BrownEd Baker
3939Clarence “Prince” MooreMichael Austin Timothy HowardFor many years after his release, Prince served as a Construction Manager for a community development nonprot where he was responsible for remediating lead from homes to better protect children’s health and safety. In his spare time he enjoys being a boxer and a tness trainer. He currently resides in Central NJ and values his time with friends and family.While incarcerated, Michael spent time developing a passion for music. Since his release, he has taught music education to children locally, and in Africa. Today, he resides in Baltimore as a successful jazz and blues musician who has released multiple albums and performs throughout the country. Tim never gave up the battle to gain his and his co-defendant, Gary James’ freedom. Two years after his release, he was awarded compensation for his nearly three decades in the Ohio prison system. Sadly, Tim passed away in June 2015 from a heart attack at the age of 53.Location: Atlantic County, NJFreed: July 2001Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 15Location: Baltimore, MDFreed: December 2001Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 27Location: Columbus, OHFreed: April 2003Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 27
4040 Location: Nassau County, NY Freed: June 2003 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 20Dennis did not allow his physical absence while in prison to destroy his bond with his children. He remained in contact with them and strengthened the relationship after his release. Dennis is currently living in Mexico with his youngest son and grandchildren. Location: Nassau County, NY Freed: June 2003 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 20John was awarded compensation from the New York Court of Claims for his 20 years of wrongful conviction. He is currently living in South Carolina with his partner. Location: Nassau County, NY Freed: June 2003 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 20John and his wife, Margaret, live a serene life in Florida. John has enjoyed travel, shing, and his pineapple garden. ese days, he does those activities less frequently and nds his greatest pleasure in relaxing and quality time with family and friends. John KogutJohn RestivoDennis Halstead
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4242 Location: Columbus, OH Freed: July 2003 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 27After he and his childhood friend, Timothy Howard, were wrongfully convicted, Gary and Tim fought tirelessly together to prove their innocence. Upon his release, Gary was compensated for his wrongful conviction. He was able to enjoy time with his family and friends until his passing in December 2021, at the age of 63. Location: Winnipeg, Canada Freed: November 2003 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 13After his release and exoneration, James built a strong relationship with his eight children and fourteen grandchildren. He is currently living in rural Canada and is an active supporter of Innocence Canada.James Driskell Gary James“I am grateful to be free and alive. Never give in and never give up!” - Walter Lomax
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4444 Location: Washington, DC Freed: June 2005 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 29Nick continued his trade as a Ironworker once freed on parole in 1995. He along with his co-defendants, Wayne & Michael, continued to ght for their full exoneration, which was granted in 2005. Nick has reconnected with his daughter and has a close relationship with her and his grandsons. Location: Washington, DC Freed: June 2005* Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 29Michael was a skilled Technical Support Engineer, who was employed by Dell after being released on parole in 1995. He was wrongly arrested again and died in prison a day before he was to be released and two years before his co-defendants were exonerated. He passed in December 2002. *Co-defendants. Sousa & Damien released on parole 1995. Eastridge in 2005 when he & Sousa received a full exoneration. Damien passed prior to the exoneration of his co-defendants.Michael DamienNick Sousa Location: Washington, DC Freed: June 2005 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 29Wayne lived on his ranch in Virginia with his wife, Melody. His home was not too far from his closest childhood friend and co-defendant, Nick Sousa. He had a grateful heart and loved his horses, dogs, and cats. He passed at the age of 70 in January 2017.Joseph Wayne Eastridge
4545Since his release, Harry has remained in Louisiana. He has a love for the traditional food where he lives, and always generously shares his favorites with his Centurion family. He works hard as a food service worker on an oil platform/rig, a job he nds to be rewarding and worthwhile. After his release, Johnny developed carpentry skills and renovated homes to nancially sustain his life. He sued and won a settlement against St. Louis County and arresting ocers. He reconnected with his ex-wife, remarried, and maintains a close relationship with his family.David returned to his community in New Iberia, LA upon his release from prison. He inherited his family’s taxi business and has been running the business since 2006. He enjoys spending time with his family, especially his mother, whom he visits weekly.Harry Granger Johnny BriscoeDavid AlexanderLocation: New Iberia, LA Freed: July 2006Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 30Location: St. Louis County, MOFreed: July 2006Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 24Location: New Iberia, LAFreed: December 2006Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 30
4747Kevin fought for many years to become fully exonerated, but when all avenues were exhausted he was only able to obtain freedom by parole. He is currently living in Louisiana.Since his release, Mr. Lomax has used his voice to become a powerful, inuential advocate for criminal justice reform in MD. He is the founder and leader of the Maryland Restorative Justice Initiative. In 2021, e Walter Lomax Act was signed into law, overhauling how the state compensates people who are wrongfully convicted, sentenced, and incarcerated for crimes.While in prison Willie earned an Associate in Arts degree, got married, and ran life skills programs for inmates. He is currently 71 years old and living in Mississippi with his wife. Kevin Williams Walter Lomax Willie GreenLocation: Kenner, LAFreed: October 2006Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 21Location: Baltimore, MDFreed: January 2007Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 40Location: Los Angeles, CAFreed: March 2008Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 25
4848 Location: Queens, NY Freed: September 2008 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 29Marcus lives in NY and has a close relationship with his mother, daughter, granddaughter, and umbalina, his partner of many years. He works in facility management for a NY based business. Marcus has been a spokesperson for Centurion at community events - Communiversity & Beach Glow. Location: Dallas, TX Freed: October 2009 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 15Richard became an advocate, founding Miles of Freedom, a not-for-prot organization with a mission to equip, empower, & employ individuals returning home from prison. He was a Top 10 CNN Hero of 2019. In 2022, TX enacted the Richard Miles Act. He lives in TX with his wife, LaToya, & their two daughters. He is a member of Centurion’s Board of Directors.RichardRay MilesMarcus Washington Location: St. Louis, MO Freed: August 2008 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 24After being exonerated, Darryl co-founded Miracle of Innocence, a not-for-prot 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 Burton
4949Barry Beach Frank O’ConnellBarry’s road to freedom has been long and winding. Released on parole in Dec. 2011, he led a successful life for 18-months. He was ordered to return to prison until his clemency was granted in Nov. 2015. Barry is a skilled carpenter with a thriving business & enjoys spending time with his son, while continuing to ght for his full exoneration.Frank resides in Colorado and enjoys traveling the country showcasing his custom motorcycle. e bike contains artwork which reects his journey through his wrongful conviction, and assists with his presentations to spread the word about the inherent wrongs embedded in the criminal justice system.Louis Mickens- omasWhen Lou was released from prison after 47 years for a crime he did not commit, he was 82 years old. He was a faithful 7th Day Adventist, and after his release he served the fellowship and community at his local church until his passing in 2014.Location: Philadelphia, PAFreed: January 2011Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 47Location: Fort Peck Res., MTFreed: Dec. 2011 / Nov. 2015Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 31Location: Pasadena, CAFreed: April 2012Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 28
5050“I am grateful for new beginnings.”-Richard Miles
5151David BryantCathy WatkinsMilton ScarboroughCathy has returned to the quiet life she enjoyed prior to her wrongful conviction. She lives in Virginia and is content spending time with her family. David was freed in 2013 and moved to Princeton to begin his life. In July 2014, the prosecutor appealed his release and he was ordered to return to prison. Four years later, he was released in 2018. David won a compensation claim for his 4 decades of wrongful incarceration. He is happily living in DE and relishes being a pet-parent to his new puppy.Milton was released from wrongful imprisonment at the age of 73. He was reunited with his loving niece, who he lived with after his release. He later gained a passion for current aairs through his daily watching of CNN, and often called his Centurion family to discuss the latest news. In September of 2019, Milton died at the age of 79.Location: Bronx, NYFreed: October 2012Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 15Location: Bronx, NYFreed: April 2013 / July 2018Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 42Location: Lycoming County, PAFreed: August 2013Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 36
5252 Location: Manchester, CT Freed: April 2015 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 26Richard took pleasure in sharing silly jokes and had a joyful love of dancing. Facing challenges to his health, Richard was cared for by a loyal group of supporters who took care of him and visited him daily until his passing in August 2020 at 74. Location: Orlando, FL Freed: February 2017 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 28Jules currently lives with his family in Miami, FL. Location: Springeld, MA Freed: October 2013 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 27Mark is 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. ey spend a lot of quality time with their three boys and several grandchildren.Mark SchandRichard LapointeJules Letemps
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5454 Location: Atmore, AL Freed: April 2017 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 34Billy Ray honed his woodworking craftsmanship while in prison. He continued this skill after his release, designing custom handmade footballs, which he generously sent to members of his Centurion family. He is now married and still lives in Alabama.Billy Ray Davis“I am grateful for all of the years that have been restored to our families due to the hard work Centurion has invested in us.” - Darryl Burton
5555Dominic currently lives in his home state of Ohio. He enjoys spending time with his family and is employed by the Veterans Administration.Mark is in the process of purchasing a home in his home state of Texas. He and Ken Gardiner, one of his co-defendants, plan to share the new residence. Mark is gainfully employed as a Food Fulllment Associate at a local establishment and is enjoying the process of reclaiming his lifeKen currently lives in Texas and is looking forward to moving into a newly purchased home with Mark Jones, his long-time friend and co-defendant. Immediately after his release he worked in his family’s business. He is currently a Food Fulllment Associate at a local establishment, and is enjoying his life as a free man.Dominic Lucci Mark Jones Kenneth GardinerLocation: Savannah, GAFreed: December 2007Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 25Location: Savannah, GAFreed: December 2007Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 25Location: Savannah, GAFreed: December 2007Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 25
5656 Location: New Orleans, LA Freed: February 2018 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 10Michael owns and operates his own lawn maintenance business, which keeps him very busy. He lives in Louisiana with his wife. Location: Paterson, NJ Freed: April 2018 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 24Upon his release, Ralph reconnected with his family, spending quality time with mother before her passing. He continues to value the time with his father, who has his strength and support during his incarceration, as well as his children and grandchildren. Ralph was able to win compensation from the State of NJ for his wrongful conviction. Location: Kansas City, KS Freed: October 2017 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 23Lamonte was instrumental in the passing of KS House Bill No. 2579 in 2018, one of the strongest compensation laws in the US. He launched several barber academies in Kansas City, teaching the trade of hair care and style. He is also the co-founder of Miracle of Innocence with Darryl Burton. Within the past few years, he and his family have relocated to Arizona and he has begun new business endeavors.Lamonte McIntyreMichael ShannonRalph Lee
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5858“I am grateful to be home with my family this Thanksgiving.” - Michael Shannon
5959Shawn has embraced his love for the outdoors. His life in CT along the Northeast coast allows him to spend as much time as possible both on the beach and kayaking. He also participates in several philanthropic activities. He enjoys time with family and friends, & attending concerts across the country. Upon his release, Kevin was reunited with his loving family, who helped him ght for his freedom during his incarceration. He is currently living with them in Louisiana. He continues to rebuild his new life and ght for his exoneration.Ben’s journey home is marked by the joys of reconnection. He remarried his wife, Dee Dee, was reunited with their son, and visits with his family often. He works full-time, has built a relationship with his church family, and is supportive of the growing number of Texas exonerees. He also thoroughly enjoys his new pup, Bane.Location: New Milford, CTFreed: July 2018Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 30Location: New Orleans, LAFreed: September 2020Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 24Location: Dallas, TXFreed: March 2021Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 34Shawn Henning Kevin DeSalle Benjamin Spencer
6060 Location: New Orleans, LA Freed: October 2022 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 28In Dwayne’s short time home, he has made wonderful progress. He lives on his own in New Orleans, and holds a full-time job working with at-risk youth, as well as a part-time job. In his free time, Dwayne educates young people about wrongful convictions, and is a compassionate caregiver for his mother. Location: Dallas, TX Freed: December 2022 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 25After release, Lucio initially lived with his aunt, Dora, and cousins, James and Isaiah in Dallas. He became employed as a landscaping assistant through Miles of Freedom and also volunteered several days a week in their food pantry. He was awarded compensation for his wrongful incarceration, which has allowed him to live independently and rebuild his life. He has enjoyed reconnecting with his family and spending time with friends. Location: Philadelphia, PA Freed: May 2021 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 38Upon his release, Larry was joyfully welcomed home by his expansive support system who fought for him throughout the years he spent wrongfully imprisoned. His children, Sharena and Larry, their mother, and Larry’s grandchildren have helped to make his transition into the free world positive and fullling. He spends most of his time with his family and enjoys attending live sporting events.Dwayne LeblancLarry WalkerMartin Lucio Santillan
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6363TAKING ACTION, CHANGING THE SYSTEMState v Clarence Moore, 188 N.J. 182 (2006) Hypnotically refreshed testimony of a witness is inadmissible overruling State v Hurd, 86 N.J. 525 91981) and State v Fertig, 143 N.J. 115 (1996)In 1997, Paul Casteleiro initiated New Jersey’s compensation act known as “Persons Mistakenly Convicted and Impris-oned,” N.J.S.A. 52:4C-1 to 4, which provided, for the rst time in New Jersey, compensation for persons who were wrongly convicted and imprisoned. In Connecticut, Centurion continues to be involved in an eort to outlaw the use of deceptive and coercive tactics in all custodial interrogations.Lamonte McIntyre was standing next to Kansas’ Governor Je Colyer when he signed House Bill 2579 into law. is Bill created and amended the law regarding compensation for wrongful conviction and imprisonment and created the law regarding contact with jurors in civil cases. e bill created a civil cause of action allowing claimants to seek damages from the State for wrongful conviction.May 2018, Lamonte McIntyre’s case inspired a Kansas law, House Bill 2523, which made it illegal for police ocers to have sexual relations with people they stop for trac violations or detain for questioning.April 2021, Maryland instated the “e Walter Lomax Act”, also known as Compensation to the Individual Erroneously Convicted, Sentenced, and Conned, which provides appropriate compensation for individuals who are erroneously con-victed, sentenced and conned..October 2021, Texas passed House Bill 1125 also known as “e Richard Miles Act” which requires police agencies to verify they turned over all evidence when ling cases with prosecutors. Below are the past and current actions Centurion has led and the laws that have been enacted due to the advocacy of the men and women Centurion has served.
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6565Ricky Birch and his partner, Georgiana, live in CT with their dog, Maisie. Ricky works full-time as a supervisor for a road marking co, that specializes in airport tarmacs & parking areas. In his spare time, he enjoys nature walks with his partner & their dog and watching the Jets.James Waller is an active part of the exoneree community in TX. He remains good friends with AB Butler and serves as a mentor and resource for many of the freed men and women that Centurion supports, and spends time with his dogs in his pecan orchard.After Keith’s sentence was commuted, he obtained his BA in Social Psychology & worked for the US Virgin Island Legislature as the Assistant Dir. of Facilities Mgmt. In his spare time, he enjoys carpentry, arts & craft, and wood work. Keith & his wife, Laura, welcomed their daughter, Leynia, in March 2022. ey reside in St. omas.Ricky Birch James Waller Keith BenjaminLocation: New Milford, CTFreed: July 2019Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 30Location: Dallas, TXFreed: December 2006Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 23Location: U.S. Virgin IslandsFreed: January 2007Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 25FRIENDS OF CENTURION
6666FRIENDS OF CENTURION (Cont’d) Location: London, UK Freed: October 1989 Years Wrongly Imprisoned: 15After Gerry was released from prison, he became an advocate for wrongful convictions, police misconduct, and police brutality all over the world. Gerry died in June 2014 at the age of 60.Gerard Patrick “Gerry” Conlon
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6868IN MEMORIAMRemembering the Centurion family we have lost…Earl BerrymanClarence BrandleyJoyce Ann Brown*Gerry ConlonMatt ConnorMichael DamienJorge De Los SantosJoseph Wayne Eastridge Edward HonakerTimothy HowardGary JamesJimmy LandanoDavid MilgaardRichard LapointeGeronimo PrattMilton ScarboroughLouis omas-MickensSteven ToneyDamaso Vega*Friend of Centurion
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Text ANNIVERSARY to 1-844-977-3311Or scan to DONATEMake checks payable to:Centurion | 1000 Herrontown Rd | Princeton, NJ 08540centurion.org | 609-921-0334TEXT TOGIVE