A DAMN SHAME! There's No Innocence Compensation Fund in Indiana.
Presently, Indiana is one of the about 15 states in the US, that does not have an innocent prisoner’s compensation fund, where a newly exonerated person gets an immediate lump sum of money from the state to compensate for years of wrongful imprisonment.
Texas is one state that has such a fund for newly exonerated individuals, and has paid upwards of $3.1 million for a man wrongfully imprisoned for 20 years.
Such funds were created by states to ensure that someone unjustly deprived of their life, from imprisonment, could have a better chance upon release. Of course, no amount of money can pay a person back for lost time. Once the youth is gone it can't be bought back.
There is a high probability that I would brother, Leon Benson, will be exonerated in Indiana. After nearly 19 years away from his family and society is in of itself. But when you consider Leon’s leaving one prison for another (poverty) his justice is further delayed.
Being a native of Flint, Michigan, he barely has a community to go back to with its water crisis. Although Leon speaks bravely about his business plans upon release, the truth of the matter is, he may be overwhelmed facing society so unprepared financially. We are sure this guy ain't a slouch, but that's besides the point.
While he will have an option to file a civil suit 4 years of wrongful incarceration, Indiana attorney General may drag proceedings out for up to four to five years before matters are settled. That's four to five years too long for a victim of the Criminal Justice System.
Therefore, we (family and friends) are seeking your help to build an exoneration fund only on Leon’s behalf. Please send your financial contribution by money order or cashier's check payable to:
Leon Benson
℅ TND
P.O.Box 71
Bloomfeild Hill, Michigan, 48303
USA
For debit and credit card contributions please go to our DONATE page.
Leon would greatly appreciate any amount you are able to spare. Every little bit counts. Thank you all in advance.
TRUTH NEVER DIES!
