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: 11
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Date of Release Posting Date
Brooks, Claude Jr. Illinois Cook 2000 2013 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 22 years 8 35 Black Male 2008 06-20-2017
Bullock, Ronnie Illinois Cook 1984 1994 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 60 years 10 27 Black Male 1994 08-29-2011
Cage, Dean Illinois Cook 1996 2008 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 40 years 12 28 Black Male 2008 08-29-2011
Carter, Brad Illinois Williamson 2013 2015 Child Sex Abuse Not Sentenced 0 38 White Male 2013 02-09-2015
Harris, Rodney Illinois Cook 2002 2013 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 15 years 8 15 Black Male 2010 04-11-2017
Martinez-Mercado, Alexy Connecticut Hartford 2016 2023 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 10 years 0 27 Hispanic Male 2016 01-02-2025
Seri, Michael Caesar Connecticut Fairfield 2001 2003 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 6 months to 5 years 1 42 White Male 2002 08-29-2011
Staples, Charles III Connecticut Windham 1991 2020 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 30 years 10 28 White Male 2001 03-07-2024
Vargas, Alfredo Connecticut Fairfield 2002 2006 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 12 years 4 62 Hispanic Male 2006 07-11-2013
Williams, Emmaline Illinois Cook 1986 1995 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 12 years 8 43 Black Female 1994 07-03-2014
Willing, Rusty Illinois Adams 2016 2020 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 30 years 2 34 White Male 2018 06-23-2020