Tulsa Pays $26 Million to Wrongfully Convicted Man

Landmark Settlement After Decades in Prison

The City of Tulsa has approved a $26.25 million settlement with William Henry Jamerson, who spent 24 years in prison for a rape conviction that was overturned. Jamerson was initially convicted in 1991 and his conviction was vacated in July 2024 after DNA evidence excluded him and the victim recanted her testimony.

Allegations of Official Misconduct

His attorney says the case involved law-enforcement agencies hiding or failing to disclose evidence, and that the city of Tulsa exposed itself to a much larger jury verdict by settling pre-trial. The settlement covers a federal civil-rights lawsuit alleging wide-ranging.

Impact for Jamerson and City

For Jamerson, the payout provides financial justice, though attorneys note it cannot replace the decades that he lost. “No amount of money will give Mr. Jamerson back the years he missed,” his lawyer said.

For Tulsa taxpayers, the settlement resolves a high-stakes risk scenario; officials believe a jury trial could have cost tens of millions more. City officials say the payout closes a chapter and believe future attention must focus on reforms of police and prosecutorial procedures.

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