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: 10
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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
Ballesteros, Juan Matta Fed-CA (Central) 1990 2018 Kidnapping Life without parole 0 40 Hispanic Male 1997 1990 04-20-2020
Barrientos-Quintana, Edgar Minnesota Hennepin 2009 2024 Murder Life without parole 15 25 Hispanic Male 2016 2024 12-05-2024
Cestoni, Enzo Fed-CA (Northern) 2016 2016 Weapon Possession or Sale Not Sentenced 1 28 Hispanic Male 2016 04-26-2019
Fitzgerald, John Fed-CA (Southern) 2007 2009 Tax Evasion/Fraud Not Sentenced 0 40 White Male 2007 08-29-2011
Haynes, Marvin Minnesota Hennepin 2005 2023 Murder Life 18 16 Black Male 2022 2023 12-18-2023
Hill, Benjamin Minnesota Ramsey 2013 2018 Weapon Possession or Sale Term of Years 5 years 3 30 White Male 2016 03-30-2022
Obagi, Maher Fed-CA (Central) 2015 2022 Fraud Term of Years 6 1/2 years 0 21 Other Male 2015 12-19-2022
Payne, Dana Minnesota Hennepin 1989 1991 Other Violent Felony Term of Years 1 year 1 28 White Male 1989 10-25-2014
Sandoval-Gonzalez, Gerardo Fed-CA (Southern) 2009 2012 Immigration Term of Years 7 years 3 51 Hispanic Male 2012 07-15-2012
Sarber, Laurence Minnesota Washington 2004 2009 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 13 years and 2 months 6 40 White Male 2009 09-11-2019