The Innocence Project - Know the Cases: Browse Profiles:Ulysses Rodriguez Charles

Understand The Causes: Eyewitness Misidentification

Ulysses Rodriguez Charles

Incident Year: 1984

Jurisdiction: MA

Charge: Aggravated Rape, Robbery, Unlawful Confinement, Entering Armed w/ Intent

Conviction: Aggravated Rape, Robbery, Unlawful Confinement, Entering Armed w/ Intent to Commit a Felony

Sentence: 72-80 Years

Year of Conviction: 1984

Exoneration Date: 5/17/01

Sentence Served: 17 Years

Real perpetrator found? Not Yet

Contributing Causes: Eyewitness Misidentification, Unvalidated or Improper Forensic Science

Compensation? Yes

In 2001, Ulysses Rodriguez Charles was released from prison after serving 17 years for aggravated rape, robbery, unlawful confinement, and entering armed with intent to commit a felony. His conviction was vacated after DNA testing of semen found on the victim’s bed sheets excluded him. Charles asserts that he had been targeted by a police officer with a vendetta who hid evidence in pursuit of his wrongful conviction.