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Exoneree Roosevelt Glenn introduces Indiana Innocent Project to Gary, urges residents to seek help for wrongful convictions
Summary
Roosevelt Glenn, an exoneree and board member of the newly launched Indiana Innocent Project, told the Gary Common Council meeting the organization can provide free legal representation and support for people seeking post‑conviction review, and highlighted Lake County’s high number of exonerations.
Roosevelt Glenn, an exoneree and board member of the Indiana Innocent Project, addressed the Gary Common Council on April 1 to announce the organization's operations in Indiana and to urge anyone who believes they or someone they know is wrongfully convicted to apply for help.
"If you are wrongfully convicted in prison... go to indianainnocentproject.org," Glenn told the council, providing the website and saying representation through the nonprofit is free. He described his personal case: wrongfully convicted in 1993, imprisoned for 17 years, later exonerated and active in advocacy and education before joining the Indiana board.
Glenn said the group can provide investigation of meritorious innocence claims, seek DNA testing where biological evidence exists, support exonerees after release and advocate for legislative reforms. He said the Indiana Innocent Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and includes academic collaborations for student participation under law faculty supervision.
Glenn cited a national study referenced to the council that found 47 exonerees in Indiana since 1989 and 11 exonerations since 2017, noting a disproportionate share involve Black Hoosiers; he said Lake County accounts for six exonerations and that several of those exonerees are from Gary. Glenn said the project is recruiting staff and listed openings on the group's website, including positions for a legal litigator and executive director.
Council members and several attendees praised Glenn's advocacy. Councilwoman Ivy asked if the project could provide a flyer the council could share on social media; other residents thanked Glenn and his spouse for years of perseverance and noted the work’s local relevance.
Glenn said the group hopes to open an office in Gary in the near future and left copies of his book for council members. He encouraged residents to use the project's website to apply for representation or review career opportunities at indianainnocentproject.org.
