The Exoneration Project, a free legal clinic at the University of Chicago Law School, says many more are waiting to have their cases heard
The Exoneration Project said in its release that for more than a decade, Watts and his team ran a "protection racket" of planting evidence and fabricating charges against South Side residents "while facilitating their own drug and gun trade."
The next round took place in September, when convictions of 18 men were dismissed. In November, convictions of six men and women were dismissed.
The project says a hearing for 10 men was scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, then another for four men at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
As a result of these mass concessions, The Exoneration Project says 15 current Chicago police officers with a connection to Watts' tactical team have been put on duty by the Chicago Police Department. The Cook County State Attorney's Office also told Chicago police that they will no longer use testimony from officers tied to Watts.
Joshua Tepfer, an attorney with the Exoneration Project, said, "There are dozens more with credible claims waiting to have their cases reviewed."
CNN's Ryan Young contributed to this report.
Source link
