October 3 Meeting
Richard Miles
At the age of 19, Richard Miles was wrongly arrested and sentenced to 60 years for murder and aggravated assault. In 2007, an innocence organization accepted Richard’s case and was released October 12, 2009. February 15, 2012, the Court of Criminal Appeals ruled unanimously and granted Actual Innocence. (Ex Parte Richard Miles (359 SW 3rd 647). The ruling granted Richard compensation under Texas law. In June of 2012, Richard made an initial seed investment to start Miles of Freedom. “Miles” is the acronym for (Motivating Inspiring Law-abiding Enthusiastic Successful). The mission of Miles of Freedom is to provide holistic support for individuals, families and communities impacted by incarceration. Richard’s story has been featured on the Larry King Show, TV One documentary and multiple news/media outlets.
In 2019, Richard Miles shared the international stage as one of the Top 10 CNN Hero’s. Most notably, September 1, 2021, the Richard Miles Act was passed in Texas. This law addresses the accountability and timely disclosure of evidence as it relates to arresting officer/agencies. Richard is enrolled at Paul Quinn College working on his bachelor’s in business administration. Richard serves on the boards of God’s Holy Church of Christ, Dallas Sheriff Community Partnership, Centurion Innocence Organization and Power in Action.