Georgia Innocence Project

Crime & Public Safety

Georgia Innocence Project

With a paid staff of three, volunteer lawyers and interns, the Georgia Innocence Project uses DNA evidence and other research to clear men wrongly imprisoned for crimes they did not commit.

John White of Manchester in west Georgia was released in 2011 after DNA evidence exonerated him. JOHN SPINK JSPINK@AJC.COM

Mary White wipes tears from the face of her husband, John, at a press conference announcing his 2011 release. JOHN SPINK JSPINK@AJC.COM

This letter from Pete Williams caught the attention of the Georgia Innocence Project. Williams was later exonerated. GEORGIA INNOCENCE PROJECT

Clarence Harrison was released in 2004 after nearly 18 years in prison. AJC FILE

In 2007, Willie "Pete" Harrison (right) became the fourth man cleared by the Georgia Innocence Project. Together, the four, (left to right) Clarence Harrison, Robert Clark, Calvin C. Johnson, and Williams, had served 78 years for crimes they did not commit. AJC FILE

Cliff Williams worked for the Georgia Innocence Project as an intern in 2007. The project relies on interns and volunteer lawyers to supplement its small staff. AJC FILE

Aimee Maxwell (left), executive director of the Georgia Innocence Project, claps after Willie O. "Pete" Williams was legally cleared by Fulton County Judge Thomas Campbell.

Willie “Pete” Williams says goodbye to members of the media after holding a news conference at Georgia Innocence Project offices in 2007.

For exoneree Robert Clark, his Ford Taurus was a major symbol of his newfound freedom. Clark served nearly 24 years for a crime he did not commit. With Clark is Georgia Innocence Project staffer Lisa George. AJC FILE

Robert Clark takes a picture with his attorney's digital camera in the CNN Center in 2005. Clark had never seen a digital camera before. Clark was enjoying his first day of freedom after spending 24 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. AJC FILE

On his first day of freedom in 2005, Robert Clark (far right) kept a smile on his face even while waiting in line at the motor vehicles office to get an ID. AJC FILE

Exoneree Willie "Pete" Williams was released from Fulton County Jail in 2007. AJC FILE

Willie "Pete" Williams addresses the media after his 2007 release. AJC FILE

Clarence Harrison (left) shares a laugh with Aimee Maxwell, executive director Georgia Innocence Project.

Clarence Harrison (foreground) speaks as Aimee Maxwell (background), executive director Georgia Innocence Project, looks on during a rehearsal of his autobiographical collaboration with musicians Melanie Hammet and Ben Holst. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Clarence makes his first walk of freedom here in 2004 out of the Dekalb County Courthouse with his fiance Yvonne Zellars (left). AJC FILE

Clarence Harrison kisses his wife, Yvonne, in a photo taken several years after his release. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Exoneree Clarence Harrison (left) dances to the rhythm of the beat during a rehearsal of his autobiographical collaboration with musicians Melanie Hammet (center) and Ben Holst (right). The 2014 project was a benefit for the Georgia Innocence Project. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Aimee Maxwell, director of the Georgia Innocence Project, at her cluttered office adjoining a bowling alley. The organization is hurting financially, with its future unclear. BY BILL TORPY BTORPY@AJC.COM

1 / 19

John White of Manchester in west Georgia was released in 2011 after DNA evidence exonerated him. JOHN SPINK JSPINK@AJC.COM

Today's Gallery Headlines

PHOTOS: Lizzo reads to College Park Elementary School students

PHOTOS: Atlanta Dream lead WNBA finals

PHOTOS: Journey brings farewell tour to Atlanta

PHOTOS: UGA photojournalism students focus on the Georgia National Fair