Virginia House Considers $1.3M Payout for Wrongful Incarceration

Lawmakers also reviewing racial slur allegations at high school basketball game in Chesapeake

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Virginia House of Delegates is considering paying a Norfolk man $1.3 million for his wrongful incarceration of over 20 years. Separately, a Chesapeake mother is addressing her son being called a racial slur during a high school basketball game.

Why it matters

These cases highlight ongoing issues around wrongful convictions, racial discrimination, and the need for accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system and school environments.

The details

Messiah Johnson, 52, was convicted of an armed robbery in 1997 despite maintaining his innocence and having no DNA evidence linking him to the crime. After over 20 years in prison, his record was expunged in 2025. Lawmakers voted unanimously to move forward with compensating him. In the separate incident, a Chesapeake mother says her son's basketball team was subjected to racial slurs from opposing players, which the school is investigating.

  • Messiah Johnson was convicted of the armed robbery in 1997.
  • Johnson was incarcerated for over 20 years.
  • Johnson's record was expunged in December 2025.
  • The Virginia House of Delegates is currently considering the $1.3 million compensation measure.
  • The racial slur incident at the high school basketball game occurred last Friday.

The players

Messiah Johnson

A 52-year-old Norfolk man who was wrongfully incarcerated for over 20 years for an armed robbery he did not commit.

Tiana Morton

A Chesapeake mother who addressed the school board about her son being called a racial slur during a high school basketball game.

Chesapeake Public Schools

The school district investigating the racial slur incident that occurred during a high school basketball game.

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What they’re saying

“When racial harassment is minimized or addressed inconsistently, it sends a message to students about what behavior is tolerated and whose experiences are taken seriously.”

— Tiana Morton, Chesapeake mother (wtkr.com)

What’s next

The Virginia House of Delegates will have several additional steps before they can approve the $1.3 million compensation for Messiah Johnson. Chesapeake Public Schools is continuing to investigate the racial slur incident at the high school basketball game.

The takeaway

These cases underscore the need for criminal justice reform, racial equity, and accountability in both the legal system and school environments. They highlight how wrongful convictions and racial discrimination can have devastating impacts on individuals and communities, and the importance of swift action to address such issues.