Alan Newton now has 18.5 million reasons to move forward after serving 22 years in prison for crimes he did not commit. Newton, a former bank teller, was freed in July 2006 after serving nearly 22 years in prison for a rape, robbery and assault conviction. Newton had asked for DNA testing in 1994, but it wasn't until 2005 that the city was able to locate a rape kit of biological samples taken from the victim. The genetic tests proved that he was not the perpetrator. Now 49, Newton is trying to start his life over, and the $18.5 million awarded by a jury will help. The jury that awarded Newton the damages said that his constitutional rights had been violated by two police officers who failed to produce evidence that would have proved his innocence when requested. The New York City Law Department stated that it was "disappointed" in the verdict and plans to appeal. They ought to be disappointed in robbing an innocent man of his life for 22 years. While no amount of money will make up for being railroaded by the justice system, we're sure the windfall will help ease the pain.
Read more at MSN. Watch a video about his case and hear him in his words below: