In 1984 – due to erroneous eyewitness identification – Johnny Edward Pinchback was sentenced to 99 years in prison for the rape of two teenage girls – a crime he continually professed he did not commit.

After approximately 27 years of incarceration, Pinchback was freed in 2011 thanks to DNA investigations and the work of the Innocence Project of Texas.

In a recent interview, Pinchback talked about his exoneration.

Q: What went through your head upon hearing about your accusation?

A: I thought a lot. I’m like, “Surely you have me mistaken for someone else—surely. You have to have me mistaken for someone else. Not me. No, not me.”

Q: How did IPOT learn of your possible innocence?

A: They found out about my innocence through a friend that was in prison with me and lived in the same wing with me. His name is Charles Chapman. In fact, he and I had been arraigned together—my friend, a real friend.

Q: What was the worst part of being in jail?

A: I lost my freedom. I lost everything. I was devastated, my mother was devastated—everybody that knew me and loved me was devastated.

Q: What was your reaction when you heard that IPOT had helped exonerate you?

A: I had been waiting in the prison to be set free, but it didn’t settle into my mind until after I walked out the door of the jailhouse. I was still feeling the same me—I just wasn’t going to feel anything until I walked out the door, waiting to greet my family and everyone else. That’s when I felt it—when I walked out the door. I was waiting. I had been gone for three decades, I wasn’t going to believe anything until I walked out those doors, even though everybody had come to see me and talk with me…Still, I wasn’t going to believe it until I walked out the front door.

Q: How difficult has it been transitioning to your new life?

A: It hasn’t been supple, but I’m adjusting.

Q: Any hard feelings?

A: I have no animosity, no hard feelings, no hate in my heart towards anyone. I had to swallow my pride, humble myself, and love everybody. One of my enemies I am now trying to help get out of prison.

Q: What advice do you have to others who think that their voice isn’t heard?

A: My advice is to be patient. Most of all keep the faith and trust in God…I trust in God now more than I ever had in my life.

Today, Pinchback owns his own trucking business and maintains a ranch in the country. He is also a motivational speaker and is writing an autobiographical-style book.

Learn more at www.ipoftexas.org