Virginia to Pay Wrongfully Convicted Man $1 Million

Thomas Haynesworth spent 27 years in prison

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed legislation to award a Richmond man more than $1 million after he was imprisoned for almost 30 years for sexual assaults he didn't commit.

Thomas Haynesworth was exonerated in December after spending 27 years in prison.

McDonnell said Thursday it was “morally right” for the state to provide financial security to Haynesworth because of the years he lost in prison. The state has a formula to determine how much those wrongfully imprisoned should be compensated.

Police arrested the 18-year-old Haynesworth in February 1984 after a victim in one of the assaults reported he looked like her attacker. Ultimately, he was convicted in three attacks and was acquitted of one. Prosecutors now believe serial rapist Leon Davis was responsible for each of the attacks.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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