Ulysses Rodriguez Charles
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.
Time Served:
17 years
State: Massachusetts
Charge: Aggravated Rape, Robbery, Unlawful Confinement, Entering Armed with Intent to Commit a Felony
Conviction: Aggravated Rape, Robbery, Unlawful Confinement, Entering Armed with Intent to Commit a Felony
Sentence: 72 to 80 years
Incident Date: 12/08/1980
Conviction Date: 02/14/1984
Exoneration Date: 05/17/2001
Accused Pleaded Guilty: No
Contributing Causes of Conviction: Eyewitness Misidentification, Unvalidated or Improper Forensic Science
Death Penalty Case: No
Race of Exoneree: African American
Race of Victim: Caucasian
Status: Exonerated by DNA
Forensic Science at Issue: Flawed Serology