Wrongful Conviction

5,381
True Crime #184

Hosted by celebrated criminal justice reform advocate and founding board member of the Innocence Project Jason Flom, Pulitzer prize-winning podcast host and producer Maggie Freleng, and Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, and podcast host Lauren Bright Pacheco, Wrongful Conviction features intimate conversations with men and women who have spent years in prison for crimes they maintain they did not commit. Some have been fully exonerated and reunited with family and friends while others continue to languish, with some even facing execution on death row. Each episode peels back the layers behind the stories of those who have found themselves caught in a legal system gone wrong, with illuminating insights from lawyers and leading experts sharing their in-depth knowledge about each case, from prison visits and courtroom battles to reexamined crime scenes and witness interviews. This gripping series reveals the tragedy of injustice…as well as the triumph that is possible when people step up and demand change.

More
Recent Episodes
  • #524 Jason Flom with Clemente Aguirre
    May 8, 2025 – 58:25
  • #523 Jason Flom with Lerico Kearney
    May 1, 2025 – 47:18
  • SPECIAL EMERGENCY EPISODE: #522 Jason Flom and Maggie Freleng with Andre Brown live from the UJC Summit
    Apr 22, 2025 – 42:09
  • #521 Jason Flom with John "Divine G" Whitfield
    Apr 17, 2025 – 41:28
  • #520 Jason Flom with Ivery Dorsey
    Apr 10, 2025 – 39:54
  • #519 Jason Flom with Marcus Blalock
    Apr 3, 2025 – 42:00
  • Introducing - Bone Valley, Season Two: Jeremy
    Mar 31, 2025 – 02:43
  • #518 Jason Flom with Jermaine Archer
    Mar 27, 2025 – 32:51
  • Introducing: Up and Vanished Weekly, the Wrongful Conviction of Toforest Johnson
    Mar 24, 2025 – 03:32
  • #517 Jason Flom and John Grisham with Jamie Snow
    Mar 20, 2025 – 51:10
  • #516 Jason Flom and Kim Kardashian with Corey Miller
    Mar 13, 2025 – 41:36
  • Introducing: The War on Drugs Season 2
    Mar 11, 2025 – 02:10
  • #515 Jason Flom with Allan Woodhouse and Brian Anderson
    Mar 6, 2025 – 43:19
  • #514 Jason Flom with Richard Glossip
    Feb 27, 2025 – 53:54
  • #513 Jason Flom with James Watson
    Feb 20, 2025 – 40:02
  • #512 Jason Flom with Charles "Brandon" Martin
    Feb 13, 2025 – 36:19
  • #511 Jason Flom with Louis Costilla, Jr.
    Feb 6, 2025 – 37:32
  • #510 Jason Flom with Pedro Reynoso
    Jan 30, 2025 – 42:24
  • Unsolved Cases, Fresh Perspectives: Introducing Up and Vanished Weekly
    Jan 29, 2025 – 02:36
  • #509 Jason Flom with Manfred Younger
    Jan 23, 2025 – 40:05
  • #508 Maggie Freleng with Eron Shelman
    Jan 16, 2025 – 41:55
  • #507 Jason Flom with Eric Glisson
    Jan 9, 2025 – 30:59
  • #506 Jason Flom with Keith Harward
    Jan 2, 2025 – 30:41
  • #505 Jason Flom with Fernando Bermudez
    Dec 26, 2024 – 41:33
  • #504 Maggie Freleng with Brandon Spencer
    Dec 23, 2024 – 40:54
  • #503 Jason Flom and Barry Scheck with Barry Gibbs
    Dec 19, 2024 – 40:18
  • #502 Maggie Freleng with Darrell Ewing
    Dec 16, 2024 – 38:30
  • #501 Jason Flom with Delia D'Ambra on Jeff Pelley
    Dec 12, 2024 – 47:18
  • #500 Maggie Freleng with Stacy Larson
    Dec 9, 2024 – 39:27
  • #499 Guest Host Earlonne Woods with Joaquin Ciria
    Dec 5, 2024 – 42:20
  • #498 Maggie Freleng with Rosa Jimenez
    Dec 2, 2024 – 45:06
  • #497 Jason Flom with Jerry Mark
    Nov 28, 2024 – 45:11
  • #496 Maggie Freleng with William Beeman
    Nov 25, 2024 – 38:39
  • #495 Jason Flom with Gary Benloss
    Nov 21, 2024 – 55:40
  • #494 Maggie Freleng with Annette Cahill
    Nov 18, 2024 – 44:12
  • #493 Jason Flom with Ronnie Miller
    Nov 14, 2024 – 38:51
  • #492 Jason Flom with Keith Washington
    Nov 11, 2024 – 40:52
  • #491 Jason Flom with Tyree Wallace
    Nov 7, 2024 – 36:19
  • #244 Jason Flom with Kevin Cooper
    Nov 5, 2024 – 44:32
  • #490 Maggie Freleng with Tom Rhodes
    Nov 4, 2024 – 37:58
  • #489 Guest Host Conor Hall with Brian Pippitt
    Oct 31, 2024 – 47:04
  • #488 Maggie Freleng with Belynda Goff
    Oct 28, 2024 – 45:01
  • #487 Guest Host Conor Hall with Angel Bumpass
    Oct 24, 2024 – 31:21
  • #486 Maggie Freleng with James Degorski
    Oct 21, 2024 – 41:04
  • #485 Jason Flom with Lamont Hunter
    Oct 17, 2024 – 43:48
  • #484 Maggie Freleng with Ben Spencer
    Oct 14, 2024 – 47:45
  • #483 Guest Host Conor Hall with Arvel Marshall
    Oct 11, 2024 – 36:03
  • #482 Maggie Freleng with Eddie Ramirez
    Oct 7, 2024 – 36:58
  • #481 Jason Flom with Chris Turner
    Oct 3, 2024 – 41:58
  • #480 Maggie Freleng with Marty Levingston
    Sep 30, 2024 – 34:28
Recent Reviews
  • Adif09
    Maybe?
    Yeah, maybe a few of people from the different episodes were wrongly convicted but it's crazy to me on how many of the facts were left out on the Christopher Vaughn. I mean, if you look at all the facts in the case one might have a different opinion about him being innocent. It's too bad because the few cases that the people really might be innocent are being washed away with not giving all the facts in other cases. I think it's interesting to have so many interviews but Chris Vaughn is where he should be...in prison for life. Please give ALL the facts not just what makes your case for innocence
  • njoysj7
    My favorite podcast
    This is one of my favorite ever podcasts. It is so interesting and simulataneously heartbreaking to hear these real stories of wrongful convictions- some who have been in prison for 30 years for crimes they did not commit. Wrongful Convictions Podcast works together with the Innocence Project who advocates for these people through pro bono work and sifting through document after document, and evidence to prove that these people did not do what they were accused of. Innocence Project does really important justice work as the justice system has failed so many of these people. Give it a listen! I couldn’t recommend it enough!!
  • Ricky R Richard
    Too biased
    This is a good podcast which highlights many cases of possible/probable false convictions. The issue is it is too slanted in that direction and doesn’t present arguments fairly. For example, on the Atif Rafay episode it ignores any evidence against Atif and Sebastian (Sebastian changed the murder weapon in a high school play to a bat from a rope and the killings were done with a bat, Sebastian’s fingerprints were found on the tipped over boxes, etc) and mentions an informant pointed to another suspect without mentioning three informants pointed to three different unrelated suspects so at least two of those tips were made up). Overall, it commits the same sin as the justice system: ignoring evidence that goes against its narrative.
  • Charlie.cadillac
    Great show!
    One of the best, if not THE BEST crime/criminal justice shows out there. Episode # 340 is especially heartbreaking. The guy, John Giuca, is still in prison for something that the deaf, dumb, and blind could see he did not do. Keep up the great work
  • :)))))amazingapps!miboobear
    Love this show and love the guest host Conner!
    I enjoy every episode of this show and deeply empathize with all of the wrongly convicted individuals out there. Absolutely loved the most recent episode guest hosted by Conner Hall. He is hilarious and the show made my day today.
  • Tinkerbell from Bellevue
    Brady violation
    It is unbelievable that there are so many wrongly convicted individuals. I have listened to about 50 Podcasts so far, and say the same words after every hour - unbelievable! I have gotten pretty good at shouting out Brady Violation, before the host can point it out. Lastly, I really enjoy when the guest tells us what their first meal was when the were released. Thank you for this work.
  • LeRainDrop
    Amazing work, I’m learning so much
    Love how well this show exposes the stories and truths about the “criminal justice” systems of the USA. I just listened to the episode with Eric Brown and thought it was so revealing and clear that I felt compelled to review. Have listened to many episodes and will continue.
  • melbsey
    Life Saving Work for all of us
    This project restores a vision of what the Judicial System can be in this country. I am proud that this organization has been able to pull together so many people who all yearn for truth and honesty in justice. Following this project powerfully reminds me that there are others who truly want goodness for the good of all.
  • kris2016
    Facts Don’t Matter
    This podcast has a clear bias and agenda, and sadly, people are falling for it. On a recent episode, EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF EVIDENCE against the convicted killer was conveniently omitted. Numerous falsehoods were presented as facts. This podcast is a clear sham, and people who don’t know any better are just eating it up. Pathetic.
  • Arees~Mama
    An Important Issue!!
    What a great way to bring light to such a horrific problem in this country. Thank you!
  • PDJOR
    Episode #453
    It is absolutely disgusting that DAs Judges & juries can be so stupid as to convict some of these obviously innocent people & the DAs Judges should be put in prison for not helping the innocent people get out when they definitely know they are innocent. Makes me hate this broken system we call justice
  • Coliso157
    Jerome curry
    Stay focus bro your time will come soon
  • Chap&Hue
    One of my favs
    Lauren Bright Pacheco?! Yay!! Keep up the great work. Appreciate you so much shedding light on these cases.
  • Mckingbj
    Reading list
    On each show the guest list books they read and that were important to them. Is there a book list available. Also I never see the notes at the end of the podcast to sign patitions or send money. Thx
  • Valentinegrammy
    Thought Provoking
    Every time I listen to these unbelievably sad stories, I cannot help but think, that could have been me or someone I love.
  • crich1234
    Jason flom
    Jason flom is a godsend
  • Relax, Rover.
    Their voices finally get to be heard
    I just found this podcast and I’m so glad to hear the voice of the wrongly convicted person. There’s so much junk science that we’ve been told is fact and, even worse, malicious prosecution, withholding of evidence, lies, and innocent people and their families pay with trauma and their lives. Thank goodness there are amazing people fighting for actual justice. Thank you.
  • sea1114
    Thank you!
    I love to support this podcast and all they do for the innocent. While i hate that these things happen, im glad you are sharing them
  • Kellynn211
    Glad I finally pressed play
    I’ve had this podcast saved in my library for a long time, and just recently started listening because I always get so upset when I hear about a wrongful conviction, I wasn’t sure I could handle it. But these stories are so empowering and the mental toughness of these men and women is amazing to me. It’s hard to have faith in our justice system after hearing what they have been through. Really appreciate your work and dedication to these folks, they deserve it and I hope to find a way to be a bigger part of this eventually! The Keith Lamar story and Sullivan Walter story have hit me the hardest so far, thank you for what you’re doing for all of these innocent people. Jason is my favorite love his sarcasm and blunt thoughts!
  • Skrappy Coco
    Wrongful Commercialization
    Wrongful Conviction was always my favorite podcast! I’m in Texas, fighting the good fight for prison reform and to abolish the death penalty. INowadays, Wrongful Conviction appears to be seeking the big money. Unless I pay a membership, I will be inundated with commercials. No thanks!
  • KaMommy1127
    Miss Maggie.
    I love this podcast, however I miss the storytelling process from Maggie. Jason kinda just dives in and expresses his outrage over the case instead of painting the story and giving the voice to the victims of this unjust system.
  • Beth--
    Mixed
    I don’t mind Jason. I’m sure I missed an announcement or something, but Maggie is almost never on anymore and she’s the real draw. Laura Nirider is awful and I delete any episode she’s on. Her delivery is weird. Overly dramatic? Bad cadence? I’m not sure what it is that bothers me. The stories are compelling and interesting. They need to be heard!!
  • BrPaMe
    Better when it’s not Jason
    I’m thankful for those who advocate for the wrongly accused. That said, the show is much better when Jason isn’t hosting. His outrage takes over and you don’t get to hear the people speak. He interrupts and says the same four things over and over again. The other hosts are fabulous, and I like how they structure their episodes and conduct their interviews. If they hadn’t started hosting more regularly, I probably would have unfollowed.
  • Ellie49270
    Thank you
    Don’t turn away from these. We need to shed more light on all these wrongfully convicted. Thank you Maggie for bringing this to our attention
  • Hargrove67
    Episode 399
    Thank you. This episode was enlightening.
  • Angeleighcastia
    Love love love
    Such respect for you guys and what you do. Been going back through the catalog and I just listened to #087. Made my week to hear Wrongful Conviction agree to get him a vehicle when he learns to drive. Be the good.
  • j_a_x_
    Tiffany Reese?
    The audio documentarian?? NO. Cmon lava, you are better than this 2-bit Drama porn star.
  • Bfloteacher
    Yay Maggie !
    Maggie is great . Miss her !
  • Another Statistic
    Foster care institutions
    When am I going to start hearing about all the wrongfully convicted kids in the foster care system
  • lekkerkontje
    One of the most important podcasts out there
    Though each episode is heartbreaking, this is one of the most important podcasts you could listen to. Then … start up your monthly donations to the Innocence Project or other places like it. This madness needs to be corrected. Hold your elected/local officials accountable!
  • KingGone
    So incredible
    Corruption, fake “science” and blatant lies that lead to real people spending entirely too much time behind bars for “crimes” they didn’t do and sometimes “crimes” that NEVER HAPPENED… It’s incredibly sickening at times.
  • nekewksnbd
    Dark souls
    What kind of people let’s this happen? These people who knowingly put this and people in jail is sickening to me. Corrupt judges, prosecutors, coercing, innocent people into confessing. How do these people love with themselves? It pisses me off so much
  • wendypeanut
    Great stories
    Love this podcast, but Laura needs to bring down the drama in her storytelling a few notches. She’s so over the top.
  • jujufarmore
    Such an addicting podcast - can’t believe these stories
    This is the best podcast, bar none, out there. It is full of real life stories that have tragic outcomes and yet there is also such redemption and positivity as well. There are so many angles involved in these cases. I have so much respect for the Innosense Projects around the country. I have now donated to these organizations and would love to help in any way I can. Please listen to just one and you will be hooked as well.
  • Theologian78
    WRONGFUL CONVICTION - ERIC SMITH
    Eric Smith was wrongful convicted as at the age of 16. He is now 44. He was sentenced with 3 life sentences plus 20 with no chance of Parole. Just recently last year and after years of fighting with lawyers and money, the judge reduced the sentence to just one life term and put Eric Smith on parole. The family is out of money and options. We are trying to get Eric home. Please help us. We have contacted the innocence project, Baltimore Sun has written about him and because money isn’t talking, we do not have the power to get him home. PLEASE HELP !! PLEASE !!
  • RomanskiAkiva
    Very Interesting Podcast
    I learn so much listening to these stories.
  • Candynikki
    Not all innocent
    Some of these people are clearly NOT INNOCENT the wrongful conviction crusade seems to believe almost anyone. This podcast is over dramatic every episode. Somewhat nauseating. I rarely listen anymore
  • TammyKratzer
    Great podcast !!
    I started listening to your podcast about 2 weeks ago , so I am playing catch up and listening from beginning. This is such an eye opening podcast. My heart just breaks for these people who have been accused of things they didn’t do. I really don’t know how they come out of this and be so positive. I am afraid I couldn’t have that attitude. I think every state should have more compensation.to help them start their lives over.
  • Barton02
    New to this podcast
    I just started listening to this podcast about a week ago and I absolutely love it, it’s sad that our criminal justice system is so corrupt and broken and that so many people have spent so much time away from their families and friends.I share this podcast with everyone I now and tell them to listen to these stories because it is heartbreaking.I find my self getting mad at the people that we trust to help us doing the complete opposite.. thank you for sharing there stories. Truly inspiring and an eye opener
  • B. Birdell
    I'm sorry to go
    Hey, one of your ads includes the beeping sound of a microwave and my dog is traumatized by our smoke alarm going off and every time she hears that beeping on the commercial she freaks out so I had to unsubscribe because I never know when it's going to come. Sorry!
  • LittleSnowBits
    Nope
    Just heard you getting interviewed.You are a joke and have dangerous ideas about spreading drugs around this nation. You have major mental problems and should probably get help for your delusions. Also offensive hearing you talk about experiments on rats. Trash human being.
  • 19Judi54
    Podcast
    One of the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to. I’d love to get involved with the innocence project. Jason Flom is an excellent narrator. I love to hear the stories and wish I could help. This is a plus for anyone who has ever worked in law enforcement. I recommend it highly.
  • Ti C
    EVERYONE needs to listen
    This show highlights the problems in our Criminal Justice system. It is well produced and covers stories thoroughly. They don’t only bash police and the system, they also highlight the good cops who try to make a difference.
  • Pacman9898
    Heartbreaking
    Detective Louis Scarcella should be in jail!!!
  • ay_dreeyen
    Let them tell their story!
    I’m only on episode 11 of the podcast, and I am extremely interested in this topic, but Jason, PLEASE let the guests tell their story! I can’t stand the way you interrupt, interject, and put words into the guests’ mouth. I appreciate your knowledge and understanding, but I would really love to hear the guests’ stories from start to finish first. Once they’ve told their story in their own words, then please add in the other details they may have forgotten to mention and provide your wisdom and statistics afterwards. I hope this changes as the podcast goes on, otherwise I find myself screaming in my car, “Let him finish!” Lol
  • Mia.11
    Misleading Subscription
    Why would you sell a subscription and still include ads?
  • Photographygirl12995
    Sunny Jacobs just won my heart!
    What a great podcast that is so well done. Her one liner that she had to get out put the biggest smile on my face. What a strong woman! All the best to her and her loved ones!❤️
  • Ahimsa2013
    Thank you for what you do!
    Inspiring and insightful interviews, if also utterly heartbreaking. Essential work going after wrongful convictions.
  • Katherine P. M.
    So much interrupting!
    What’s the point of having a guest on the show to tell their story if the host is just going to interrupt & talk over them, make assumptions, and not let them tell their OWN story?! I only made it 1.5 episodes from the beginning and I just don’t have it in me to continue any further. I find it rude, unprofessional and inconsiderate of the guest who was brought on to presumably speak on their own behalf, not to mention irritating to listen to. To be fair I didn’t give Maggie or any other host a chance, so maybe they get better 250 episodes in or so. I was hopeful to listen to a podcast specifically on this subject but I’ll have to keep looking.
  • KeepItReal79
    Excellent Narrating Patrick
    Thank you for sharing I appreciate your perspective and your hosting these other exonerated gems … you really highlight the authenticity of injustice and systemic challenges in a way that hopefully allows more humans to advocate and take action. Best to you all!
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.