Bill > HB1472

This bill proposes to provide compensation to Messiah Aladar Johnson, who was wrongfully incarcerated for over 20 years for multiple felonies including robbery, firearm use, abduction, attempted robbery, and shooting into an occupied building. Despite maintaining his innocence, his conviction was based on evidence that later came into question, including a suggestive eyewitness identification and a credible confession from another individual. Although Mr. Johnson received a conditional pardon in 2018, which later became absolute upon completion of its terms, his subsequent legal attempts to be declared actually innocent were dismissed by the Court of Appeals due to the absolute pardon. This bill, therefore, seeks to grant him financial relief, with the specific amount to be determined by appropriation, as he has no other recourse for compensation for the lost years of freedom, family time, educational and employment opportunities. The bill also specifies that any compensation awarded will be subject to the provisions of § 8.01-195.12 of the Code of Virginia, which outlines procedures for claims against the Commonwealth.

Budget and Finance

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1472