“It’s bittersweet” exonerated man responds to $7.15M civil rights settlement

Edmond, Okla (KFOR) – America’s longest-serving wrongfully incarcerated inmate, Glynn Simmons, spoke at a graduation ceremony Thursday afternoon.

Simmons was the keynote speaker at a small celebration for incarcerated Oklahomans preparing for a fresh start.

Eighteen participants graduated from the Regional Food Bank Culinary Arts program.

They completed an eight-week safety training course which will make them more employable once they are released from prison.

Simmons encouraged the graduates to find joy in their circumstances, as he did during the 48 years five months 18 days he spent behind bars for a murder he did not commit.

It has been an eventful week for Simmons.

Monday, the Edmond City Council approved a $7.15 milion dollar settlement to compensate Simmons for his wrongful imprisonment.

“It’s a win,” Simmons said. “It gives me enough money to stay in the fight with Oklahoma City because they walked away from the table, offering nothing. So, it’s a bittersweet thing and the fight goes on.”

Simmons was hopeful both municipalities would agree to a settlement on par with other wrongful conviction judgements acorss the country, which can reach as high as $1 million per year of wrongful incarceration.

While Simmons’ claim against Edmond has been resolved, his lawsuit is ongoing against Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Police Department and the lead OCPD detective for their role in his wongful conviction.

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