(TSN): A man served 23 years in the Virginia state penetentiary on child sex abuse allegations by his two sons that proved to be false. In a rare showing of fairness, the state of Virginia has agreed to a $1.3 million pay out for the wrongful conviction.
Michael Haas was accused of sexual abuse by his sons, who in 1994 whi later recanted their testimonies. Evidence that their counselor tampered with them sexually and coerced them to blame him was offered, finally freeing their father.
His attorneys were able to take advantage of Virginia’s law governing post-conviction innocence claims that was revised in 2020. A new innocence claim was files in the Virginia Court of Appeals. His children's recanted statements were entered into the record as proof of his innocence. Additionally, the revised statute changed the standard of proof for granting a writ of actual innocence from “clear and convincing” to “a preponderance of the evidence,” frequently defined as “more likely than not,” paving the way for the Court to reevaluate Michael’s case.
“I hope my case will help others in their cases,” said Michael Haas, “This has been a 28-year journey, but I am thankful that truth and justice prevailed.”
To repair the mistake the state has granted a writ of innocence, free tuition to a community college and $1,530,653.