New Haven Alder Awarded $5.75M for Wrongful Incarceration

Connecticut Claims Commissioner finds Alder Maceo "Troy" Streater was wrongfully imprisoned for 23 years.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The state's Claims Commissioner has awarded New Haven Alder Maceo "Troy" Streater $5.75 million in compensation for his wrongful incarceration. Streater spent 23 years in prison for a 1990 homicide he has consistently maintained he did not commit. The jury's guilty verdict was based solely on witness testimony that was later recanted, and Streater was pardoned in 2022 after the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Parole accepted his claim of innocence.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about wrongful convictions, police misconduct, and the long-lasting impact on individuals and communities when the justice system fails. Streater's story raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the need for criminal justice reform to prevent such miscarriages of justice.

The details

In 1993, when he was 26 years old, Streater was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the 1990 shooting death of 19-year-old Terrance Gamble. The guilty verdict was based solely on witness testimony, all of which was later recanted. Streater maintained his innocence throughout his 23 years of incarceration. In April 2022, the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Parole issued Streater an "complete, absolute and unconditional" pardon, accepting his claim of innocence.

  • In 1993, Streater was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
  • In April 2022, Streater was issued a pardon by the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Parole.
  • On February 10, 2026, the Claims Commissioner awarded Streater $5.75 million in compensation.

The players

Maceo "Troy" Streater

A New Haven city alder who spent 23 years in prison for a homicide he has consistently maintained he did not commit.

Terrance Gamble

A 19-year-old who was killed in 1990, leading to Streater's wrongful conviction.

Robert F. Shea, Jr.

The Connecticut Claims Commissioner who found that Streater was wrongfully incarcerated and should receive $5.75 million in compensation.

Connecticut Board of Pardons and Parole

The state board that issued Streater an "complete, absolute and unconditional" pardon in April 2022, accepting his claim of innocence.

Alex Taubes

Streater's attorney, who said the jury's guilty verdict in 1993 was a "catastrophe" that ruined Streater's life.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I did want my name cleared because I did decades for something I did not do and would not do. I think it's vindication and showing what I was saying back in the 90s is accurate and the truth is that I was an innocent man.”

— Maceo "Troy" Streater, New Haven Alder (nhregister.com)

“Back at that timeframe there was a lot of corruption going on, a lot of people being unjustly arrested and accused and prosecuted for things they didn't do. I'm just glad the light is being shed on that and people are seeing a lot of times you hear someone say they're innocent and they didn't do it and people don't believe it, but I was arrested, prosecuted and convicted without a scintilla of evidence, because I didn't do the crime.”

— Maceo "Troy" Streater, New Haven Alder (nhregister.com)

“In the short time he's free he's been elected to the Board of Alders and serves overnight shifts with a homelessness nonprofit. It raises serious questions about what he could've done had he not had that time taken away.”

— Alex Taubes, Streater's Attorney (nhregister.com)

What’s next

The General Assembly's Judiciary Committee must vote within 45 days on whether to approve the $5.75 million award for Streater.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact of wrongful convictions and the critical need for criminal justice reform to ensure transparency, accountability, and the protection of the innocent. Streater's story is a sobering reminder that the system can fail, with profound consequences for individuals and communities.