Wrongfully Convicted and Seeking Justice

This Got Get Funding Campaign is for Ernest Gwinn as he's sat voiceless for the past 15 years and 3 months between five different prisons. In the Northern, eastern, southern, western, and central parts of Illinois.

Ernest is currently being housed at Dixon correctional center:

Ernest Gwinn R26930

C/O Dixon Correctional Center

2600 N Brinton Ave

Dixon, IL 61021

Ernest Gwinn's current release date is September 4th 2032, and his mandatory release date is September 4, 2035.

Ernest has 25 years at 50% = 12 1/2 years (to do) + 20 years at 85% = 17 years (to do). So, 12 1/2 years (to do) + 17 years (to do) = 29 1/2 years (to serve in prison). This is with his sentences consecutively, right now. Then, 29 1/2 years (to serve) - 15 years (already served) = 14 1/2 (more years to serve). If he were not out on bond when he caught his second case, his time would have been run concurrent anyways (together).

Initially, Ernest hired Tony Ernesto and James Meltregger of Chicago, IL to file a direct appeal for him back in 2004 that was ruled on in his favor December of 2006. After he’d been found guilty and sentenced to 51 years, 31 years at 50% for a non-violent drug case - constructively possessing a controlled substance with the intent to deliver. Constructive possession - that’s knowledge control and dominion of drugs on someone else. 20 years at 85% for a home invasion with an injury in his own home. There was no sign of forced entry and he was not listed on the low income housing lease. The second district court of Illinois gave Ernest a reversal and remand for a new trial for his non-violent drug case. However, Ernest was sent back to the same judge who gave him the initial 51 years who is now deceased.

Ernest continues to struggle with the reality and unfair outcomes of appeals and post-conviction petitions filed, with no positive resolution to obtaining his freedom. These are his first felony convictions, ever.With this campaign, Ernest hopes to get time served concurrent (served together). Should this be successful, his 15 years 3 months in prison to date, will be evenly applied to both sentences.With his strong spirit and maturity, Ernest continues to try at all levels of the court system, to be heard and shown reconsideration for the sentences. Ernest is not a murderer, rapist, gang member or violent individual, to be continually kept in prison for decades. His children need him, his family needs him…and Ernest needs them!

Prior to being incarcerated, Ernest was a licensed barber, got a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology and worked as an Instrumentation Technician at Zion’s Nuclear Generation Station for 7 years. Ernest also had multiple rental units, a beauty supply store, and was part owner of a barber shop.

Whilst imprisoned, Ernest has taken steps to better himself by achieving numerous rehabilitation, religious and educational programs. Ernest has earned a certificate in Business Management, Certification as an Electrician, certificate as a Paralegal, as well as an Associate in Liberal Studies and an Associate in Science and Arts, which enabled him to enroll in a Bachelor Program at the University of Illinois, through the Education Justice Program at Danville Correctional Center.

Ernest is also the author of 13 unpublished books, which he hopes to publish upon his release.In addition to Ernest's educational accomplishments during his incarceration, which he continues to pursue, Ernest has worked as an electrician helper, barber, and worked in the infirmary in the hospital, assisting terminally ill patients with their needs.Ernest continues to motivate, encourage and advise others, both in and out of prison, and with his compassionate, positive and patient attitude, Ernest has been referred to as a true blessing to those who he's befriended.Ernest is a very loved father, grand-father, son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. He is a changed man, and all he needs is to receive another chance at life. Ernest have been fully rehabilitated and he deserves a second chance.

If 2,000 people are not afraid to take the lead and pay forward $5.00 each, we can make a huge difference individually in the life of Ernest Gwinn. Nobody is perfect, we all make mistakes. Sometimes in our haste to judge others, we forget we are all in need of God's grace, some more than others.

Ernest owes his attorney $10,000 and we are trying to help him raise it. Any small donation that you can make will be greatly appreciated. The journey of 10,000 steps begins with a single step. Help us continue to move closer toward our goal of $10,000 by lending a helping hand. We are asking every friend, relative, and supporter for help.Thank you wholeheartedly for your donations.

Sincerely,

Supporters of Ernest Gwinn

"All men are by nature free and independent and have certain inherent and inalienable rights among which are life,liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To secure these rights, and the protection of property, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." Article 1, Bill of Rights, United States Constitution