Buffalo Man Released From Prison Speaks Out
Recently released from prison after a judge ruled he'd been wrongly convicted of Robbery, Keyontay Ricks says he will not rest until he is completely exonerated..
Keyontay Ricks was wrongfully convicted in 2005 for Robbery in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree. Sentenced to 20 years in prison, Keyontay has maintained his innocence, supported by compelling evidence and testimony. Our mission is to secure justice for Keyontay by overturning his conviction and bringing attention to the injustices he has faced.
Case Background
- Conviction: On October 27, 2005, Keyontay Ricks was sentenced to a 20-year term following a jury conviction. This conviction was based on charges of robbery and possession of stolen property under Indictment Number 01561-2004.
- Initial Charges: Robbery in the First Degree (P.L. 150.15 [4]) and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (P.L. 165.50).
Evidence of Innocence
- Affidavits and Testimonies:
- Antwynias DeGraffenreid: The alleged victim, who repeatedly affirmed that Keyontay was not involved in the incident and was completely innocent.
- Michael D’Amico: Keyontay’s trial attorney, highlighted significant legal oversights and prosecutorial misconduct, including a failure to disclose exculpatory evidence, known as a Brady violation.
- Kurtel Walker: The actual organizer of the staged incident, confirmed that Keyontay had no knowledge or involvement in the scheme.
- New Evidence:
- In 2019, an affidavit from M. Borina revealed that $1,400 of the allegedly stolen money was actually seized from her and Tina Smith personal money by police in which was never returned to them. This crucial piece of information was withheld during the trial.
Legal Proceedings
- C.P.L. 440.10 Motion: Filed in August 2016, asserting Keyontay's actual innocence. This motion led to a 2017 decision vacating the robbery conviction, though the possession charge remained.
- Evidentiary Hearings: Held in January 2017 and November 2019, these hearings brought to light significant evidence undermining the original conviction.
- Brady Violations: The prosecution's failure to disclose a police report by Detective Joanne Cino, which confirmed the origins of the $1,400, represents a serious breach of duty and contributed to the wrongful conviction.
Flaws in the Prosecution
- Inconsistent Testimonies: Officer Thomas Brown, a key witness for the prosecution, provided contradictory statements regarding the discovery and handling of the money allegedly found on Keyontay.
- Staged Incident: Testimonies and affidavits confirm that the supposed robbery was a prearranged scheme between Antwynias DeGraffenreid and Kurtel Walker, intended to settle a private debt.
Our Call for Justice
- Exoneration: We demand the complete exoneration of Keyontay Ricks, as the evidence overwhelmingly proves his innocence.
- Support the Cause: Join us in our fight for justice by signing petitions, attending rallies, and spreading awareness about Keyontay’s case.
How You Can Help
- Sign Petitions: Demand a review of Keyontay's case.
- Contact Officials: Reach out to local representatives and demand justice.
- Donate: Support Keyontay’s legal defense fund to ensure he receives the representation he deserves.
Together, we can bring justice to Keyontay Ricks and ensure that no one else suffers from such a grievous miscarriage of justice.