House Resolution 130 addresses wrongful conviction of Cedric Moore after 16 years in prison

A significant moment unfolded during the Appropriations General Government meeting on February 26, 2025, as lawmakers discussed House Resolution 130, advocating for compensation for Cedric Moore, who spent nearly 16 years wrongfully imprisoned.

Representative Crawford presented the resolution, detailing the troubling circumstances surrounding Moore's case, which dates back to a 1993 robbery incident. Despite the victim's assertion that Moore was not involved, police led her to believe otherwise, resulting in a neighbor's false testimony that implicated him. Modern DNA testing later exonerated Moore, revealing that the evidence used against him was flawed and inconsistent.

Crawford emphasized the profound impact of Moore's wrongful conviction, noting that he lost custody of his child during his incarceration and has faced significant challenges reintegrating into society. "These are the type of things that we want to compensate Mr. Moore for," he stated, urging the committee to support the resolution.

The committee members engaged in a brief discussion, with Representative Prince seeking clarity on the timeline of DNA testing advancements that ultimately cleared Moore. It was confirmed that the trial occurred in 2002, long after the crime, and that modern testing techniques revealed the DNA evidence was not a match.

With a motion to pass the resolution on the table, the committee expressed unanimous support, highlighting the importance of addressing wrongful convictions and ensuring justice for those affected. The anticipated outcome of this resolution could pave the way for Moore to receive the compensation he deserves, marking a crucial step in rectifying past injustices.