Exonerated Man Waits a Decade for $2.5M Payout

Michael Holmes was wrongfully convicted and is still fighting to receive his court-ordered compensation.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:44pm

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Michael Holmes, a 66-year-old man from St. Louis, Missouri, was wrongfully convicted of drug dealing in 2006 and served 8 years in prison before being exonerated in 2011. A jury later awarded him $2.5 million in a civil rights lawsuit, but he has been waiting over a decade to receive the payout due to a legal dispute over who is responsible for paying the judgment.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges exonerated individuals can face in obtaining compensation after being wrongfully convicted, even when they have been awarded damages through the legal system. It also sheds light on the complex bureaucratic and legal battles that can arise over who is financially responsible for police misconduct judgments.

The details

In 2003, Michael Holmes was arrested by St. Louis police officers who claimed he was dealing crack cocaine from a relative's home. Despite the lack of physical evidence tying him to the crime, Holmes was convicted at trial in 2006 and sentenced to 25 years in prison. His conviction was later vacated in 2011 after federal corruption cases exposed that the officers had planted evidence, stolen cash, and lied. Holmes then filed a civil rights lawsuit and was awarded $2.5 million in 2016, but he has yet to receive the payout due to an ongoing legal dispute over whether the state or the city of St. Louis is responsible for paying the judgment.

  • Holmes was arrested in 2003.
  • Holmes was convicted at trial in 2006.
  • Holmes' conviction was vacated in 2011.
  • Holmes filed a civil rights lawsuit in 2012.
  • Holmes was awarded $2.5 million in 2016.

The players

Michael Holmes

A 66-year-old man from St. Louis, Missouri who was wrongfully convicted of drug dealing in 2006 and served 8 years in prison before being exonerated in 2011.

St. Louis Police Department

The police department that arrested and charged Holmes, with officers who were later found to have planted evidence, stolen cash, and lied.

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What they’re saying

“Their own specialist said, 'Mr. Holmes' fingerprints wasn't on anything in that house.' Now, if I live there, and my fingerprints isn't on anything in that house, how is that possible?”

— Michael Holmes

What’s next

The Missouri Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision on who is responsible for paying Holmes' $2.5 million judgment.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by those who have been wrongfully convicted, even after they have been exonerated and awarded compensation. It highlights the need for streamlined and reliable processes to ensure that exonerated individuals can quickly receive the financial restitution they are owed.