Texas awards $450,000 to man who spent 18 years in prison on wrongful conviction

Texas has awarded more than $450,000 (Ђ351,672) to a man who was exonerated by DNA evidence after spending 18 years in prison for a sexual assault conviction.

Photo: Texas awards 0,000 to man who spent 18 years in prison on wrongful conviction

Arthur Mumphrey was released from prison in January after his lawyer found DNA evidence clearing him in the rape of a 13-year-old girl. Mumphrey had been sentenced in 1986 to 35 years in prison.

Gov. Rick Perry pardoned Mumphrey in March, clearing his record and making him eligible for compensation. Under state law, a person pardoned based on innocence is eligible for up to $25,000 (Ђ19,537) for each year in prison with a cap at $500,000 (Ђ390,747).

Mumphrey recently got his first payment of $226,041, (Ђ176,650) according to the Texas Comptroller's Office.

Mumphrey, who was 42 when he was released, declined to talk about his plans for the money, reports AP.

His brother, Charles, confessed to the rape while serving time in jail for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, shortly after his brother's release. No criminal charges will be filed against Charles Mumphrey because the statute of limitations has expired, prosecutors said.