It’s Time for Kentucky to Compensate the Wrongfully Convicted
Johnetta Carr at the 2024 Innocence Network Conference in New Orleans (Image: Claire Bangser/Innocence Project).
Call 502-699-3701 to urge your lawmakers to support fair compensation for wrongly convicted Kentuckians.
Johnetta Carr was just 16 years old when she was prosecuted as an adult and wrongfully convicted of murder. After spending 13 years in prison and on parole, Johnetta was pardoned on the grounds of innocence due to exculpatory DNA evidence discovered by the Kentucky Innocence Project.
Unfortunately the nightmare didn’t end there. Upon release, Johnetta, who missed out on education and career opportunities while wrongfully incarcerated, faced barriers trying to secure housing and employment. And she’s not alone.
Right now, Kentucky is one of only 12 states in the country that does not offer compensation to wrongfully convicted people. As a result, more than 20 innocent Kentuckians who have lost a combined total of 200 years of freedom are left waiting for restitution.
It’s time to correct this injustice. Tell your representative to support House Bill 206 which would allow eligible exonerees to receive much-needed financial compensation for the years stolen from them.
This campaign is in partnership with the Kentucky Innocence Project.