The Exoneree Network

The Exoneree Network had the privilege of speaking with the students at about wrongful convictions and the long road to freedom. We shared firsthand experiences, discussed the impact of injustice, and highlighted the resilience of the long road to freedom.

We are grateful to Boston Green Academy for creating space for these important discussions. By educating and empowering the next generation, we move one step closer to a more informed and equitable system. 📖🦋

The team was honored to host Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley State Representative 12th Suffolk District and Senator at The Exoneree Network’s Freedom House this week, a five-bedroom home providing independent housing for people returning after long-term incarceration. Members of our wrongfully convicted community shared how Exoneree Network services—including housing, mental health support, and family assistance—have transformed their lives.

We’re grateful to Rep. Fluker Oakley and Senator Collins for their time, support, and advocacy for funding The Exoneree Network in the Massachusetts state budget.

Let's hear it for the Exoneree Network's co-founder and Director, Sean Ellis, who is celebrating 11 years of freedom today!

For more than a decade, Sean has transformed his freedom into a mission of service, advocacy, and hope for others impacted by wrongful convictions. As a co-founder of the Exoneree Network, he has been a tireless voice for justice and a pillar of the community, helping to build support, connection, and opportunity for exonerees across New England.

His resilience, compassion, and dedication continue to inspire countless people. Congratulations, Sean, on this incredible milestone—we celebrate your freedom, your leadership, and the lasting impact you make every day. 🎉💙💜

Recently, students at Brookline High School learned about the impacts of the criminal legal system and its systemic issues like racial biases, wrongful convictions, and neglecting the voices that need to be heard.

Take a look at the work they shared with the Exoneree Network and their peers!

Thank you to the incredible folks at Brookhaven at Lexington for hosting Sean K Ellis, Director of the Exoneree Network, CPCS Innocence Program Director, and New England Innocence Project board member, Lisa Kavanaugh, and New England Innocence Project Board Chair, David Siegel. Sean shared some of his personal story, including the trauma and pain of sitting through multiple trials knowing he was innocent, and was met by a standing ovation!

“I went to trial believing fully ‘I’m going home.’ … And then, to be convicted…” — Sean Ellis

Swipe to listen in and click the link in bio to learn more about the Exoneree Network 🦋

*Show up in support!* Come support Brian Peixoto as he continues his 30 year fight for freedom!

Join Brian and his CPCS Innocence Program legal team on Thursday, June 4, at 9 a.m. at Bristol Superior Court (186 S. Main St., Fall River 02720), Courtroom 9.

*Show up in support!* Brian Peixoto was wrongfully convicted of a murder he did not commit and has spent 30 years in prison.

Come out and show your support to Brian and his CPCS Innocence Program legal team on Thursday, June 4, at 9 a.m. at Bristol Superior Court (186 S. Main St., Fall River). The fight continues!

🎉 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 🎉

Many of our members celebrated their freedom anniversaries in April & May. They are:

𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹
• Anselmo Aviles (1997)
• Bryan Frazier (2006)
• Omar Martinez (2019)
• Dennis Maher (2003)
• Elvio Marrero (2024)
• Frances Choy (2020)
• Fred Weichel (2017)
• James Watson (2020)
• Joseph Bennett (2019)
• Marlon Passley (1999)
• Marvin Mitchell (1997)
• Raymond Gaines (2021)

Together they lost 254 years to their wrongful convictions.

𝗠𝗮𝘆
• Angel Echavarria (2015)
• Angel Hernandez (2021)
• Clifton Caldwell (2020)
• Guy Randolph (2008)
• Jose Arce (2023)
• Laurance Adams (2004)
• Natale Cosenza (2016)
• Neil Miller (2000)
• Vincent Ferrara (2005)

Together they lost 138 years to their wrongful convictions.

We wish them all continued happiness & success!

presents Roxbury Roots: You Don't Know My Story, a follow-up panel discussion featuring four of the speakers whose stories of wrongful conviction deeply resonated with the community at our last event.

Back by popular demand, this conversation moves beyond incarceration to focus on what comes after: rebuilding identity, reconnecting with family and community, navigating reentry, and finding purpose after years lost to a system that got it wrong.

Featuring:
— Allah Fu-Quan, justice advocate, fully exonerated after 28 years
— Jameel Williams, author, mentor, and reform advocate
— Donald Maurice Osgood, Sr., Director of the Community Healing Response Network, Boston Public Health Commission
— Stephen Pina, founder of Never Not Working; granted a new trial in partnership with the New England Innocence Project

📅 Saturday, May 30, 2026
🕕 Doors 6:00 PM | Panel 6:30 – 8:00 PM
📍 Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley Street, Roxbury

Tickets: bit.ly/ROOTSPANEL