South Carolina Judge Vacates Robbery Conviction After Man Spends 15 Years Behind Bars

CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. – After 15 years in prison for a crime he maintained he never committed, Michael Pearson walked out of court Thursday a free man. Judge Robert Hood vacated Pearson’s 2010 robbery conviction and overturned his 60-year sentence after new testimony and confessions shifted the case, WCBD News 2 reported.

Breakthrough Confession and Testimony

Pearson’s co-defendant, Victor Weldon, provided the testimony that changed everything. Weldon admitted his role in the 2010 robbery of businessman Edward “Slick” Gibbons but insisted Pearson had nothing to do with it.

“I was there, and I know who was with me. Michael Pearson was not involved,” Weldon said in a sworn statement, later backed by a successful polygraph test.

Defense Calls Out System Failures

Pearson’s attorney, Chris Mumma, director of the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence, told the court that Weldon’s confession and the forensic review made the wrongful conviction impossible to ignore.

“Two men have now given statements against their own interests. Mr. Weldon passed a polygraph. Mr. Pearson passed a polygraph. The facts all point away from him.”

She added a sharp critique of the system that allowed the case to proceed in the first place:

“If forensic evidence is misapplied and the wrong people are convicted, justice is not being served. That is something that must change in South Carolina.”

Prosecutor Urges Caution

Third Circuit Solicitor Ernest Finney III acknowledged Weldon’s confession but said the state was not yet prepared to fully exonerate Pearson.

“We are not seeking a retrial at this time, but to immediately proclaim Mr. Pearson’s innocence would be premature. The investigation remains ongoing,” Finney told the court, according to WCBD.

Questions Over Forensic Evidence

Pearson’s conviction had relied heavily on a fingerprint linked to Gibbons’ stolen 1987 Chevrolet El Camino. While duct tape used in the attack tied Weldon to the crime, investigators said the fingerprint matched Pearson.

The innocence center countered that claim, arguing that the FBI’s national database never identified the thumbprint as Pearson’s. Instead, a Sumter officer conducted a manual comparison.

Mumma stressed how damaging that was:

“That is not how our justice system should operate. Manual comparisons are prone to bias, and in this case, it cost Michael 15 years of his life.”

Pearson Speaks Out

Outside the courthouse, Pearson thanked supporters for standing by him.

“I knew I was innocent from the start, and I never gave up hope. Today proves the truth matters, even if it takes years to come out.”

He described his time behind bars as grueling:

“My first year was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. They sent me to the bottom of the bowl. That’s not a place I’d wish on anyone.”

Family and Supporters React

Pearson’s sister said the family never lost faith.

“We prayed every day for this moment. To see him walk out smiling after so much pain — it’s a blessing.”

Another supporter outside court added:

“This case shows why reforms are needed. No one should spend 15 years locked up for something they didn’t do.”

What Comes Next

Judge Hood released Pearson on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond, barring him from contacting Gibbons’ family. Prosecutors said they will announce by Sept. 29 whether charges will be dismissed entirely.

For Pearson, the focus is on moving forward:

“I lost years I can’t get back, but I won’t let bitterness take over. I’m ready to start my life again.”

Do you think South Carolina should reform its forensic and conviction review processes to prevent cases like Pearson’s? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.