Fourth man released in Philadelphia in review of 'sex for lies' scheme in 1980s homicide unit

Source: Associated Press

Fourth man released in Philadelphia in review of ‘sex for lies’ scheme in 1980s homicide unit

Updated 1:07 PM EST, December 9, 2024

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia man has been released from prison after 41 years in the latest review of convictions allegedly tainted by detectives who offered to arrange sexual liaisons for witnesses in exchange for false testimony.

Russell Williams, 67, is the fourth person to have his conviction overturned in the “sex for lies” investigation. In a deal with prosecutors, Williams left prison after pleading guilty to third-degree murder in a 1982 case and being sentenced to time served.

“He still maintains his innocence,” lawyer Kevin Mincey said. “But he chose his freedom.”

Common Pleas Judge Scott Scott DiClaudio said vacating the first-degree conviction, and life sentence, at a court hearing Thursday was not an exoneration but perhaps the “appropriate” resolution given the circumstances.

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-police-conviction-overturned-false-testimony-e7de277f2253efc636bdbe8c762f0c6e