UWF Emerald Coast to host ‘Wrongful Convictions’ presentation featuring guest speaker from Innocence Project of Florida
The University of West Florida (UWF) will host guest speaker Seth Miller, executive director of the Innocence Project of Florida (IPF) as he presents, “Wrongful Convictions: Your Questions Answered.” The event will be held Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. at the UWF Fort Walton Beach Campus Auditorium, Building 8, 1170 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
During his presentation, Miller will present an overview of IPF and discuss the causes and remedies to prevent future wrongful convictions, with a goal of bringing awareness to the Fort Walton Beach community.
IPF is part of the Innocence Network, which made history in 2012 when it secured its 300th exoneration based on DNA testing. IPF screens and investigates cases in which meritorious innocence claims are identified; secures DNA testing when biological evidence exists; advocates for the release of each inmate excluded from criminal responsibility; provides transitional and aftercare services to exonerees; and advocates for necessary criminal justice reform to avoid wrongful incarcerations in the future.
Through the Innocence Network and IPF’s efforts, Florida has exonerated 13 men who collectively spend 259 years in prison for crimes they did not commit.
William Dillon spent 27.5 years in prison for a crime he did not commit before being exonerated on Dec. 10, 2008. Since his exoneration, Dillon has released an album of original songs written during his wrongful imprisonment, performed the national anthem for the Tampa Bay Rays and currently serves as a board member for IPF.
“The Innocence Project of Florida gave me my life back,” Dillon said. “Words cannot describe how grateful I am for their hard work.”
For additional information about IPF and the Innocence Network, visit floridainnocence.org.
