http://www.columbusdispatch.com/news-story.php?story=172807

Howard found actually innocent By Alan Johnson The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday, March 15, 2006

After a 29-year wait, Timothy Howard heard the word he fought and prayed he would hear: Innocent.

A jury in Common Pleas Judge David E. Cain's court, after deliberating two days until about 11:10 a.m. today, declared Howard "actually innocent" of a 1976 bank robbery and murder.

Howard slapped the table hard and jumped up and cheered with his lawyers when he heard the verdict.

"I finally got what I deserved. I'm just glad this is over with. This is a good thing," Howard said. Howard got votes from six of the eight jurors, the minimum needed.

The verdict in the civil case means Howard can go to the Ohio Court of Claims seeking what could be a record financial payback from the state for 26 years spent behind bars.

Howard's conviction for the Dec. 21, 1976, robbery and murder at the former Ohio National Bank on the East Side was overturned three years ago by former Common Pleas Court Judge Michael H. Watson.

Even though Howard was released from prison and all charges were dropped, state law required him to prove his innocence in order to qualify for a financial settlement.

Howard's potential payoff, based on $41,419 per year of imprisonment, plus an amount to compensate for lost wages and attorney fees, could top $2 million, one of largest settlements in Ohio history.

Gary Lamar James, Howard's friend who was also convicted for the bank robbery and murder and was likewise released in 2003, filed a separate civil lawsuit. His case is scheduled to be heard in May.