Instructions for Using the Registry

The table below shows all individual exonerations. By default, the table is set to show exonerations from 1989 through the present. Check "Pre-1989" in the Exoneration Era filter to view Pre-1989 exonerations. Use the filters on the left to search for exonerations with particular criteria. Hover over the symbols for explanations of filters or columns. Use the Keyword Search box to filter for cases that contain those keywords in the narrative summary.

If multiple keywords are entered, the search will show cases in which the narrative contains ANY of those words. Since the table is filtered to 1989 through the present by default, a search for the name of someone who was exonerated before 1989 will not produce results until the Date of Exoneration is adjusted, or the Pre-1989 filter is selected. Once filters have been set, select the column headings you wish to display, and sort the table by whatever column heading you choose by clicking on the column heading. For more detailed instructions, see Understanding the Registry, under "About" at the top right of the Home Page. Note: 1989 was the year of the first DNA exoneration and the dawn of a new era of wrongful convictions. The Registry used to separate the two - pre and post 1989 exonerations - into two separate and distinct databases. They are now synthesized to reflect the entire body of exoneration data. If you wish to view exonerations prior to 1989, check "Pre-1989" in the Exoneration Era filter. Read Less
Total records: 7
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Date of Release Posting Date
Allen, Joseph Ohio Lorain 1994 2022 Child Sex Abuse Life 23 39 Black Male 2017 03-18-2022
Celestino, Juan Ohio Sandusky 1991 1995 Child Sex Abuse Life 2 41 Hispanic Male 1993 03-11-2013
Hunter, Tyeona Ohio Hamilton 1994 2001 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 10 to 25 years 4 20 Black Female 1998 10-25-2018
McClendon, Robert Ohio Franklin 1991 2008 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 15 to Life 17 34 Black Male 2008 08-29-2011
Smith, Nancy Ohio Lorain 1994 2022 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 30 to 90 years 15 35 White Female 2009 03-18-2022
Towler, Raymond Ohio Cuyahoga 1981 2010 Child Sex Abuse Life 29 24 Black Male 2010 08-29-2011
Vaughan, James III Ohio Cuyahoga 2008 2009 Child Sex Abuse Life without parole 1 28 Black Male 2009 05-08-2015