Unjust Punishment Project Client, Ricky Thomas, Is Free!
Last month, we celebrated the release of Ricky Thomas, who served more than 20 years of a life sentence for burglary under Louisiana’s habitual offender law.
When he was sentenced in 2005, Ricky had no hope of release. But even in the face of a life sentence, he refused to give up. Over the course of two decades, he completed vocational training in pest control, served as a groundskeeper, joined multiple ministries, and became a Class A Trustee.
In 2021, Louisiana lawmakers created a path for people serving life sentences for nonviolent crimes to earn parole after 15 years. Earlier this year, Innocence & Justice Louisiana represented Ricky at his hearing, and his work ethic and commitment to rehabilitation were evident to the parole board. After completing a final work program requirement, Ricky was released on October 13, 2025.
Ricky is beginning his reentry journey — rebuilding his life, reconnecting with loved ones, and finding his footing in a world that has changed so much since 2005.We’re grateful to our partners at the Louisiana Parole Project for supporting Ricky with housing and mentorship. Our Client Services staff is also working with Ricky as he eases into life in the free world.
You can help too. Support Ricky’s transition home by donating to his GoFundMe or Amazon Wishlist. Every contribution helps cover essentials like clothing, food, transportation, and housing as he starts anew.
TEAM NEWS
Jerome Morgan Joins the Innocence & Justice Louisiana Team
We’re thrilled to welcome Jerome Morgan to the Innocence & Justice Louisiana team. Jerome, an exoneree and former IJLA board member, now joins our staff as a Peer Mentor in the Client Services Division, where he will support freed and exonerated clients as they rebuild their lives and lead our client gatherings.
Since his exoneration, Jerome has become a respected voice for justice and healing — gaining professional experience and training in education, restorative justice facilitation, conflict de-escalation, trauma recovery, and community-building.
He has long been a pillar of our community of freed clients — reaching out to welcome, guide, and encourage others coming home. Now, we are honored to have him on staff, continuing that work as part of our mission to ensure every client has the support they need to thrive.
A JAILHOUSE LAWYER REACTS TO OUR NEW NAME
We changed our name for one reason: our clients — for those who have been falsely accused and for those unjustly punished, because our name should represent all of them.
We also did it in recognition of those fighting for freedom from prison without lawyers, and people fighting from prison for others’ freedom as inmate counsel substitutes – “jailhouse lawyers.”
Recently, we received a letter from an inmate counsel substitute who shared how our new name resonated with him — because he knows better than anyone that there are many people in prison who deserve justice, and how hard justice is to achieve. We wanted to share his words with you.
(An inmate counsel substitute or “jailhouse lawyer” is an incarcerated person who has received training in the law and helps others in prison navigate the legal system.)
ENGAGE
SNAP Relief: How You Can Help
The government shutdown has meant that funding for Louisianans who rely on SNAP will now come through in increments—and only for some recipients. Here are a few important facts:
Louisiana has one of the highest rates of SNAP reliance in the country—1 in 5 people, including many of our freed clients.
Even under normal circumstances, people often use their SNAP benefits before the end of the month, forcing many families to rely on food pantries. Now, with reduced or delayed disbursements, people are going to be living on even less.
We’re providing direct aid to our clients to ensure they can eat during this difficult time. If you’d like to help, please consider sending a donation and earmarking it for our Client Fund by adding “Client Fund” in the comments section of the donation form.
You can also make a difference in your community by donating to your local food bank.
As the holiday season approaches, please remember those who might otherwise go hungry.
ACROSS LOUISIANA
IJLA 2nd Annual Stand
for Justice, Shreveport
Zac Crawford and Merrill Berkowitch argue at the Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeal
Esme Lee presents LLEAD.co to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Reform Coalition
IJLA Receives Foundation for Improvement of Justice Award
