Ricky Jackson was wrongfully imprisoned for 39 years. For all those years behind bars, a court in Ohio ruled Thursday that he will receive over $1 million in compensation.
Jackson, now 58 years old, was sentenced to death row in 1975 for the murder of businessman Harold Franks, along with Ronnie and Wiley Bridgeman. The three were convicted based on the testimony of Eddie Vernon, who said he saw the killing. Vernon's testimony was the only evidence linking Jackson so, when he signed an affidavit filed by the Ohio Innocence Project stating he lied, a judge dismissed the charges in November 2014.
By then, Jackson had already served 39 years of his sentence. He was originally on death row but paperwork error demoted his sentence.
The Bridgeman brothers have also been released, but Ronnie (now called Kwame Ajamu) got out earlier on parole in 2003. Wiley was also paroled in 2002, but a probation violation landed him back in prison after a few months. He was released shortly after Jackson.
Ajamu and Bridgeman will also be entitled to compensation as they too have been wrongfully imprisoned, but there is no news yet on how much the brothers will be receiving.
The Court of Claims ordered Ohio to pay Jackson the sum of $1,008,055 for the years he spent in prison as an innocent man. Those 39 years are believed to be the longest that a person has served for being wrongfully convicted.
"Wow, I didn't know that. I don't even know what to say. This is going to mean so much," Jackson said when told by a reporter of the amount he will be receiving as compensation.
He added that he takes his hat off to the state and the prosecutors for admitting they made a mistake, making his release possible.
The Innocence Project provided Jackson with legal counsel. Michelle Berry was his attorney and negotiated the initial payment that Jackson will be receiving. Judge Patrick McGrath approved payment amount.
"After going through all that he did, I think he's conquered humanity," said Berry, adding playing even a small role in ensuring Jackson gets the next 39 years of his life underway is an honor.
Jackson's compensation will be deposited in an annuity account. It will be managed by a financial adviser to help the now-free man handle his money in the best way, get back on his feet and start his life anew.
Photo: Joseph Kranak | Flickr
