Exonerated DR inmate Anthony Graves likely to get money, but he still wants justice

Anthony Graves

GALVESTON — A bill that would compensate Anthony Graves for the 18 years he spent behind bars for murders he didn't commit is awaiting Gov. Rick Perry's signature, but Graves' attorneys say his fight for justice isn't over.

The House and Senate last week passed a bill with an amendment authored by Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, that allows Graves to collect the $80,000 per year allowed by law for each year of wrongful imprisonment. That would add up to $1.4 million for Graves.

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs in February denied him the compensation because the document ordering his release did not contain the words "actual innocence."

Graves said Tuesday that he won't count on getting compensation until Perry signs the legislation.

"I'm glad that they put together a piece of legislation that will allow them to compensate me for the wrongdoing," Graves said. "But as of right now nothing has been done. I'm optimistic it will be done. We'll just have to wait and see."

In the meantime, a lawsuit seeking to have the state attorney general declare Graves innocent will proceed, Graves' attorney Jeff Blackburn said. "Until he gets that, we are going to keep on pressing and sue whomever we need to sue," Blackburn said.

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Source: Houston Chronicle, May 25, 2011

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