Bill > HB1780

This bill provides compensation relief to Gilbert Merritt III, who was wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for over 20 years for a murder he did not commit. The bill acknowledges that Merritt was convicted in 2001 and sentenced to 30 years in prison based on fabricated evidence and false testimony by Norfolk Detective Robert Glenn Ford, who was later convicted of federal crimes. Merritt was released in 2022 through a conditional pardon and subsequently had his conviction vacated by both the Circuit Court of Norfolk and the Supreme Court of Virginia. The bill recognizes the profound personal losses Merritt experienced during his wrongful incarceration, including missing two decades of his children's lives, losing family members, and being denied educational and professional opportunities. By referencing § 8.01-195.12 of the Virginia Code, the bill indicates that Merritt will be eligible for compensation through the state's existing statutory framework for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. The legislation aims to provide financial relief to Merritt as a form of restitution for the extensive harm caused by his unjust imprisonment, which was the result of official misconduct and systemic failures in the criminal justice process.

Budget and Finance

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1780