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Support Rojai Fentress' Freedom

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Rojai Fentress deserves our help.  In 1996, when Rojai was barely 16 years old, he was wrongfully convicted of murder in Richmond, Virginia and sentenced to 53 years in prison. But Rojai was innocent. Prosecutors had literally no physical evidence linking him to the crime, just two witnesses who testified against Rojai. Nearly a decade later, we uncovered evidence showing that both of these witnesses lied under oath. And yet, Rojai remained in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Rojai has always maintained his innocence, turning down plea offer after plea offer - the lowest one for five years - because he refused to confess to a crime he didn't commit.  In 2014, another man confessed to the murder, and he has continued to do so, including under oath. In 2016, the Innocence Project at UVA School of Law began representing Rojai in his fight for justice.

On July 1, 2020, Rojai received a conditional pardon from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. Later that afternoon, Rojai walked out of prison the same innocent man who entered it 24 years prior. Rojai has won back the freedom that he never should've lost, and now he needs our help.

From life's necessities to larger items, Rojai deserves our help getting back on his feet. This GoFundMe page will help Rojai with everything from clothing and groceries to major living expenses. Having gone away when he was just a 16-year-old boy and now reentering the world a 40-year-old man, Rojai has a lot to catch up on.

 We can promise you that your contribution will make a major impact for a wonderful man whose radiant positivity is a model example to us all.

Legal Details and Other Helpful Information:

Who is managing this GoFundMe?
This GoFundMe page is managed by law student volunteers working with the Innocence Project at UVA School of Law, which has represented Rojai Fentress since 2016.
 
Where are you based?
We are based in Charlottesville, Virginia.
 
What is your relationship to Rojai Fentress?
Rojai Fentress has been our client and friend since we took on his case in 2016. Rojai and his family are aware that we are managing this GoFundMe page.
 
How will donations to this GoFundMe help Rojai?
Every single dollar that is donated to this GoFundMe will directly benefit Rojai's future success by helping him afford everything from daily essentials like groceries and clothing to larger life needs. Rojai's biggest priority is going back to school. This GoFundMe will help Rojai afford tuition so that he can pursue his dreams.

How will the funds collected through this GoFundMe page be spent?

100% of all funds collected through this effort will be distributed directly to Rojai Fentress for his use in handling the myriad life needs and obstacles that he confronts alongside his newly won freedom.
 
How will these funds be provided to Rojai?
We will establish a dedicated bank account on Rojai's behalf to ensure that 100% of all revenues raised benefit Rojai directly. Every dollar that is donated to this GoFundMe will be transferred into a bank account that Rojai can use to pay for essential items and larger expenses, like college tuition.

How can I learn more about Rojai and his case?
You can learn more about Rojai and his fight for justice by visiting www.freerojai.com, a website that we have established to share Rojai's story.
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $25
    • 2 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $20
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $20
    • 4 yrs
  • John Carroll
    • $50
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Tazewell Jones
Organizer
Charlottesville, VA
Rojai Fentress
Beneficiary

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