Justice shouldn't depend on money, but it does.

Almost 30 years ago, as an inexperienced young man, my cousin who is more like a big brother to me Alfred Williams Jr made a mistake that landed him in prison. He served his time and was told the major errors in his case would be corrected. But it never was—and that still haunts him today.

For the last 17 years, he’s been living a simple life—and working for a living. What began as a being detained for misdemeanor traffic violations, has now turned into something unimaginable.

He was held for several days and later new charges were added.

When he appeared in court at the bond hearing, the victim clearly stated that he was not the person involved. The description of the perpetrator does not match Alfred Jr and there’s no evidence tying him to the crime. But they still would not release him.

Now he is facing life in prison; Life Without the Possibilty of Parole. The system calls this LWOP. The basis: a single event that happen in his youth almost 30 years ago that was never properly cleared and  currently these new alleged pending charges.

We’ve spoken to more than 10 attorneys. Several have said this should be an easy fix—no trial necessary. But because this case is an LWOP, minimally $20,000 is required just to take this case.

I’ve made countless individual phone calls, sent messages, and requested people’s presence on Zoom calls trying to rally support, seeking legal help, or just getting advice. I’ve reached out to legal aid groups and organizations—and still, we’re facing this wall.

We, family and friends have a large deposit. So far, with the help of a few generous people, we’ve raised $5,000—but that’s less than halfway to what we need.

In the meantime, he has lost his job, his home, his car—and his freedom. Ultimately, they want him to die in jail for allegedly robbing a Dollar General of less than $900 dollars.

We’re doing everything we can to bring him home and restore justice. But we can’t do it alone.

Please, if you can, donate. Every dollar brings us closer to clearing his name, getting him home where he belongs and making him whole.

These campaign dollars are going directly to his lawyer.

If you would like to contribute, please feel free to contact me for alternate giving options.