Promise of Justice Wins Release of New Orleans Man Who Served Over a Decade for Stealing $20
NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI) announced today that PJI client Henry Phillips will be released today after serving more than a decade at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Mr. Phillips was given a Life Without Parole sentence for stealing 20 dollars out of a wallet that he took off a counter at a McDonald’s in 2009. Today, Mr. Phillips reached a new plea agreement with the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office that allowed him to be resentenced, and Judge Rhonda Goode-Douglas sentenced him to time served. Mr. Phillips is now 65 years old, and his extended family is thrilled to finally welcome him home after more than a decade.
“This case could have been a petty theft charge, but it was sentenced like a murder,” said Colin Reingold, Director of Strategic Criminal Litigation at PJI. “In order to restore any sense of trust in our criminal legal system these cases have to be rooted out and purged.”
PJI is working with other legal advocacy organizations to represent the scores of individuals who received these unconscionable sentences. The Orleans Public Defenders are also reviewing these cases to bring to the District Attorney’s attention, and the First72+ and the Louisiana Parole Project are providing support for people like Mr. Phillips when they return home.
“Mr. Phillips’ case shows DA Williams’ willingness to coordinate with advocates to right the egregious injustices of the past,” said Mercedes Montagnes, Executive Director of PJI. “This is the change the New Orleans community voted for when we elected DA Williams. Mr. Phillips is one of thousands of people who remain incarcerated as a result of unjust sentences. We look forward to continuing to work with the DA’s office to address the wrongs of the past decades.”
“Thank God for opening up doors for everyone who wasn’t treated fairly and bringing justice for all,” said Mr. Phillips. “God bless the head DA Jason Williams, judges, prosecutors, the victims, and the Promise of Justice Initiative team and everyone on board for change and making things right. There is nothing like your freedom. [It’s been] a long time coming. Thank you all.”
Colin Reingold
The Promise of Justice Initiative
(504) 529-5955
The Promise of Justice Initiative works to create positive change for people in the criminal legal system at the intersection of impact litigation, direct services and community engagement. Our tools include criminal and civil litigation, organizing, direct support, and policy advocacy. Learn more here. https://promiseofjustice.org/news/promise-of-justice-wins-release-of-new-orleans-man-who-served-over-a-decade-for-stealing-20-dollars
The First 72+’s mission is to stop the cycle of incarceration by fostering independence and self-sustainability through education, stable and secure housing & employment, health care, and community engagement. Through the leadership and wisdom of formerly incarcerated people themselves, the First 72+ transforms the re-entry experience into one that builds on the strengths and abilities of people returning home from prison and ensures that they, their families, and their communities are given the greatest opportunity to grow and thrive.
OPD’s mission is to fight for our clients by providing excellent client-centered representation, reforming the system and partnering with the community.
Parole Project enhances public safety through advocacy, programming, and services for persons who have served long prison sentences so that they may reach their full potential.