CalVCB adopts proposed decisions on multiple Penal Code §4,900 claims, approving several large exoneree awards and denying one claim

The California Victim Compensation Board on Wednesday adopted hearing officer proposed decisions in multiple penal code section 4,900 matters, approving several awards for people the courts found to be wrongfully convicted and denying one claim.

Chief Counsel Kim Gautier presented each proposed decision and the board voted on the recommendations after brief remarks from claimants or their counsel and appearances by deputy attorneys general representing the state.

Key outcomes recorded by the board:

- Adrian Gentry (PC §4,900 matter): The proposed decision recommended denial. The board adopted the hearing officer’s recommendation. The record states the claim was denied because Gentry failed to show by a preponderance of evidence that he is innocent as required by Penal Code §4,900(a). The Attorney General’s Office objected to the claim. Roll call: Member Becton — Aye; Member Johnson — Aye; Chair Ravel — Aye. Motion passed.

- William Woods (PC §4,900): The board adopted the proposed decision recommending compensation in the amount of $80,640, representing $140 per day for 576 days of wrongful imprisonment. Woods was represented by Lauren Young (Kecker, Van Ness & Peters). The Attorney General’s Office did not oppose the proposed decision on the record; Deputy Attorney General Jessica Leal asked the board to adopt the decision. Motion passed by roll call.

- Michael Anderson (PC §4,900): The board adopted a proposed decision recommending compensation of $1,150,380, representing $140 per day for 8,217 days of wrongful imprisonment. Anderson was represented by Ian Graham (Kravis, Graham & Zucker). The Attorney General’s Office supported adoption. Motion passed by roll call.

- Lombardo Palacios (PC §4,900): The proposed decision recommended compensation of $898,100 (6415 days at $140 per day). Nicholas Thomas represented Palacios, who addressed the board; Deputy Attorney General Catherine Altheizer indicated the AG’s office agreed with the recommendation. Motion passed by roll call.

- Charlotte Platas (PC §4,900): The proposed decision recommended $898,100 (same days/amount as Palacios, arising from the same criminal matter). Platas addressed the board orally and described long‑term personal and family impacts from incarceration. Nicholas Thomas represented Platas; the Attorney General’s Office supported adoption. Motion passed by roll call.

- Maria Arias (PC §4,900): The board adopted a proposed decision recommending compensation of $85,960 following a court finding of factual innocence. Arias represented herself in the CalVCB proceedings; the AG’s office asked the board to adopt the recommendation. Motion passed by roll call.

At the end of the meeting the board reconvened from closed session and unanimously approved items 1–95 of the victim compensation program by roll call vote.

Each of the awards tied to a factual‑innocence determination referenced Penal Code §1485.55 and the automatic compensation provisions of Penal Code §4,900(b) when the court has granted relief. The board’s approvals were recorded with roll call votes (Member Becton — Aye; Member Johnson — Aye; Chair Ravel — Aye) for the matters presented.

The record shows claimants were represented by counsel in several matters, the Attorney General’s Office participated in most hearings and, where claimants spoke, several described lasting trauma and family impacts. No motions to alter award amounts were recorded in the meeting transcript; the board adopted the hearing officers’ recommended awards as presented.