For Crotzer, $1.25-million provides new start

"Freedom," Alan Crotzer said, "is priceless. Money can never ever replace freedom."

But Crotzer knows money can improve his life and restore some justice for the 24 years he spent in prison for a crime he did not commit. The 47-year-old former St. Petersburg man stood with CFO Alex Sink today and signed a settlement giving him $1.25-million.

"You certainly are a courageous man," Sink said.

It was the final act in a more than two year quest for Crotzer, an ordeal that produced legislation that will provide automatic compensation in future cases of wrongful incarceration. But only if a person has not had a prior felony conviction, a clause that would have excluded Crotzer.

"It's a start," Crotzer said, pledging to help work with Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, and others to refine the "clean hands" process.

Gov. Charlie Crist said today that he will sign the bill. "Few things in life are perfect," he added.

The agreement gives Crotzer a lump sum of $250,000 followed by $6,700 a month for 20 years, tax free, beginning June 1.

Crotzer said he wants to buy a house in the Tallahassee area, where he has lived for the past year. "I'm becoming a small town guy." He wants to work in juvenile justice, and has 120 hours of tuition credit to get him the skills he would need.

Comments

What is going to happen to the victims of the crime he did commit? Will they get restitution from the state or will he provide it?

What exactly about him made him courageous? he claimed his innocence and got paid for it? quit pandering to the black voters.

At times justice does eventually prevail!

Rather pandering to justice.

Posted by: | May 06, 2008 at 06:45 PM

Bling bling