Help Perry Lott, Wrongfully Convicted for 35 Years

Innocence Project Client Exonerated After 35 Years

On October 10, 2023, Perry Lott was exonerated after 35 years of wrongful conviction in Ada, Oklahoma. Perry is finally free and can begin to put this nightmare behind him — but he needs your support raising money for medical procedures he requires after enduring three decades in prison for a crime he didn't commit.

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Today, Perry Lott was exonerated in Ada, Oklahoma, after 35 years of wrongful conviction and 30 years of incarceration for a 1987 rape and burglary. Post-conviction DNA testing performed in 2014 from the victim’s rape kit proved Mr. Lott did not commit this crime. The State’s case rested entirely on the victim’s identification of Mr. Lott, which was based on a suggestive police lineup. No physical evidence connected Mr. Lott to the crime, and he did not match the physical description of the perpetrator.

Mr. Lott filed a motion to vacate his conviction in 2018 based on these exonerating DNA results and the problematic identification, but former District Attorney Paul Smith opposed the motion. Instead, on the eve of Mr. Lott’s evidentiary hearing, DA Smith offered only to modify Mr. Lott’s sentence — an offer Mr. Lott ultimately accepted on July 9, 2018. In doing so, Mr Lott was freed immediately and avoided the uncertainty of an extended incarceration while his motion to vacate was litigated.

In 2023, the Innocence Project approached newly elected District Attorney Erik Johnson and asked him to vacate Mr. Lott’s conviction based on the exonerating evidence. DA Johnson undertook a thorough review of the case and concluded that post-conviction DNA test results were indeed favorable to Mr. Lott, and that his wrongful conviction should be vacated.

“Mr. Lott has shown nothing but persistence and resilience in his 35 year long pursuit of justice. He would not give up on proving his innocence. Five years ago, all evidence pointed to his innocence, but he was denied justice. We are grateful to District Attorney Erik Johnson for his commitment to righting this wrong,” said Innocence Project Senior Staff Attorney Adnan Sultan. “I have never lost hope that this day would come,” said Mr. Lott. “I had faith that the truth would prevail — even after 35 long years. I am grateful to everyone who supported me and helped in my fight for freedom. I can finally shut this door and move on with my life.”

Mr. Lott is free at last and can finally begin to put this nightmare behind him. He now lives in Oklahoma City, where he is involved in his local church. While incarcerated, Mr. Lott took part in the "faith and character" mentorship program and served as a guide for troubled youth in the prison system — work that he would like to continue and expand further in his next chapter. But after enduring three decades in brutal Oklahoma prisons, Mr. Lott, who is disabled, needs money for medical procedures so he can better enjoy his freedom. Every donation will assist in offsetting these substantial medical costs. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.

(This is Perry Lott's fundraiser, put together with tech-support from his dear friend!)