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: 9
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Engberg-Lehmer, Teresa Iowa Pottawattamie 1997 1998 Manslaughter Term of Years 15 years 1 24 White Female 1998 07-29-2012
Esse, Eric Iowa Cerro Gordo 2003 2006 Murder Life without parole 3 33 White Male 2006 07-18-2013
Hall, James Iowa Johnson 1974 1984 Murder Term of Years 50 years 11 Black Male 1985
Imafidon, Julius Iowa Polk 2000 2002 Other Nonviolent Misdemeanor Probation 0 34 Black Male 2000 04-17-2019
Leckington, Mark Iowa Scott 2004 2008 Other Nonviolent Felony Term of Years 20 years 1 38 White Male 2005 11-07-2022
Lehmer, Joel Iowa Pottawattamie 1997 1998 Manslaughter Term of Years 15 years 1 32 White Male 1998 07-29-2012
Paulus, Richard Fed-KY (Eastern) 2016 2024 Fraud Term of Years 5 years 1 66 White Male 2017 01-16-2024
Rhoades, Nick Iowa Black Hawk 2009 2014 Other Violent Felony Term of Years 25 years 0 33 White Male 2009 10-09-2014
Smith, Tammy Iowa Humboldt 2007 2011 Child Abuse Term of Years 10 years 4 32 White Female 2011 01-23-2014