Michael's Fight for Justice

My name is Michael Agee. I am 30 years old. In 2012, my life was forever changed when I was falsely accused of committing two robberies, an accusation that ultimately turned into a wrongful conviction. Until July 27th, 2023 I had been serving time for two crimes I did not commit. It has been eleven long years to finally see some justice.

Over the years, I fought to be heard through the appeals process but I was denied, which left me discouraged and feeling that I could not get anyone to believe me. Finally, in 2020, I enlisted two private investigators, Kim Anklin and Bob Rahn. They listened to me and offered to do an investigation into my case. After traveling to Attica prison, they successfully obtained a signed, sworn affidavit from the person who actually committed the first robbery and knew who committed the second. The contents of that affidavit are a confession that clears me of any wrongdoing.

Around the time the investigators were securing the confession they also submitted a FOIL request that included DNA results taken from the weapon used in the first robbery. Fortunately, the DNA results proved that it belonged to the person they obtained the affidavit from, and also specifically stated it excluded myself. The prosecutor failed to turn this evidence over to my defense attorney. Instead, she chose to bury it until Kim and Bob discovered it ten years later.

On May 31, 2023, I was awarded my first hearing in regards to my 440 motion to vacate my criminal convictions. During this hearing, the same individual who signed the sworn affidavit in 2020 testified on my behalf that I was NOT involved in any of the two robberies I was convicted for. He stated on the record that "He (Michael Agee)had nothing to do with either crime, and that he was railroaded by the criminal justice system." In addition to this person’s affidavit and his testimony, he is also the match for the DNA evidence that was uncovered by the investigators.

My hearing for a possible new trial was on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Judge Calvo-Torres ruled that indeed I am entitled to a new trial, and in a dramatic turn of events she ordered I be released without bail. My friends and family gasped with excitement!

I hope and pray will bring me closer to complete freedom and the clearing of my name. Since my goal is to be fully exonerated, I will not be eligible for any resources, such as funding for housing, food, clothes, or incidentals. I am grateful for this second chance, however; I am very concerned about how I will initially survive without any current monetary resources or family support. Sadly, while incarcerated, all of my immediate family has passed away. Upon my release, my plan is to seek employment and to temporarily stay with friends.

While my goal is to reach $10,000, any amount you can give would be greatly appreciated. Donations will be used to secure housing, clothes and food for my reentry into society. If you cannot donate money at this time, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers and share this with your friends and family. I will keep you updated. Thank you