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AJC.com > Legislature > Georgia Beat > Archives > 2005 > March > 29 > Entry
Man cleared of rape to get $1 million
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Georgia man cleared of a rape conviction after serving more than 17 years behind bars will receive $1 million — but not all of it at once.
The state House today, by a 130-23 vote, agreed that Clarence Harrison be awarded the money to rebuild his life. But, Harrison will receive $100,000 up front with the rest paid out over 20 years through an annuity.
The House initially agreed to pay all the money at once. But budget concerns led the Senate to set up the annuity payout plan, Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (D-Decatur) said. The bill now heads to Gov. Sonny Perdue for his signature.
Harrison was released from prison after his conviction was thrown out based on DNA testing. The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office supported his release.
DNA testing was not available when Harrison was convicted of kidnapping and raping a woman who was walking to a bus stop in October 1986. She identified Harrison from a photographic lineup, and he was convicted and sentenced to life plus 20 years in prison.
During a recent meeting with senators at the Capitol, Harrison was offered a car after discussing his almost three-hour commute by bus and train from his home in Marietta to his job in downtown Atlanta at a book warehouse.
Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville), who owns a construction business, offered the exonerated man one of the cars he uses for his business.
Harrison was overwhelmed by the gesture. “That was truly a blessing, and that shows the greatness of God,” he said.
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