Man Sues Sumter, Clarendon County Over Alleged Wrongful Conviction

Michael Pearson claims he was wrongfully imprisoned for 15 years for a crime he did not commit.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Michael Pearson has filed a lawsuit against the City of Sumter, Clarendon County, and multiple state and local agencies, alleging he was wrongfully convicted in 2012 and imprisoned for 15 years for a crime he maintains he did not commit.

Why it matters

Wrongful convictions are a serious issue that can have devastating impacts on individuals and communities. This case raises questions about the integrity of the criminal justice system and the need for greater accountability and transparency.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Pearson claims he was wrongfully convicted in 2012 and served 15 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The lawsuit alleges that the authorities involved in the case failed to properly investigate and gather evidence, leading to Pearson's wrongful conviction.

  • Pearson was convicted in 2012.
  • Pearson was imprisoned for 15 years.
  • Pearson filed the lawsuit in February 2026.

The players

Michael Pearson

The plaintiff in the lawsuit, who claims he was wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for 15 years.

City of Sumter

One of the defendants in the lawsuit, along with Clarendon County and multiple state and local agencies.

Clarendon County

One of the defendants in the lawsuit, along with the City of Sumter and multiple state and local agencies.

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What’s next

The lawsuit is currently pending, and the court will determine whether Pearson's claims of wrongful conviction and imprisonment are valid.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of ensuring the integrity of the criminal justice system and the need for greater accountability and transparency to prevent wrongful convictions and protect the rights of individuals.