Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Miles .
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In May of 1994, at the age of 19, I was wrongfully arrested for a murder and attempted murder. 17 months later, one court appointed attorney and a 7-day jury trial yielded a verdict of guilty. At the age of 20, I was sentenced to 60 years in the Texas Department of Correction. It was through the assistance of family, friends, Centurion (innocent org) and Attorney Cheryl Wattley that I would walk out of prison, 15 years later at the age of 34.
Growing up in prison as an innocent man was challenging. I experienced the lack of assistance for rehabilitation and inadequate medical and educational assistance. I would say, a large part of my growth was attributed to the men that I did time with. These were hard times for myself and my family and I found strength and guidance in the men dressed just like me. I vowed within the prison that if I was to ever get out – I would help those incarcerated and their families. My release at the age of 34 was even more scarier than life in prison. Dallas had changed so much, families had died, rail systems had been built and beepers were obsolete. It was through the support of my family that I was able to begin my transition.
2 1/2 years after my release, I was fully exonerated on Actual Innocence’s. My case is cited in Ex Parte Richard Miles, (SW 3rd 359) and the first Texas non-DNA, or confession exoneration. My exoneration stands on prosecutorial misconduct, tainted ID and faulty scientific evidence. It was with the financial resources allotted from my wrongful conviction that I was able to seed Miles of Freedom birth. Most recently, September 1, 2021, the Richard Miles Act was signed into law. The Richard Miles Act addresses the responsibility for arresting officers to disclose all evidence collected during an investigation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We are all taught growing up that our criminal legal system is established on the concept of “innocent until proven guilty”. It seems, the irony of my situation, was getting wrongfully arrest and convicted was less obstructive than the process of proving my innocence. Everything after my conviction, was a very tedious road filled with every emotion under the sun. My struggles were internal as well as external and none were overcame without a fight and discipline.
Internally, I dealt with feelings of societal rejection, abandonment, anger and at times suicide. Externally my struggles were the legal battles. prison life, dealing with loved ones passing while I was incarcerated and adjusting to society after 15 years of prison. I have to truly thank my Father, the Late Bishop William L. Lloyd, for making sure my spiritual foundation was secure. I understand now, that was truly, “My Saving Grace”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently hold the position of Founder, Chief Executive Officer of Miles of Freedom. Next year we will be celebrating 10 years of providing holistic services for individuals, families and communities impacted by incarceration. It is an honor to work with our board, staff and volunteers and very humbling to remember we began with only 3 volunteers. In 2012, when we first started my task/assignments was all over the place.
Today, I work with and oversee the different services and programs of Miles of Freedom. Some of those services includes, Reentry Assistance Program, that provides assistance for men and women recently released and those that just have felonies. We also provide shuttle rides for families to visit loved ones incarcerated and manage the MLK Produce Distribution, which provides free produce to individuals experiencing food insecurity. A few things makes Miles of Freedom different than other organizations in the space of reentry, first is our origin and journey. We are the only reentry organization that is founded and ran by a person who was wrongfully incarcerated.
Next, we have a lawn services, that operates as a training pad and place of employment for MOF as well as a consistent revenue stream for the overall operations of Miles of Freedom. This opportunity has allowed us to build a sustainable model of service for communities impacted by incarceration. Lastly, Miles of Freedom host an annual Arts of Oppression Show, to showcase art by individuals formally and currently incarcerated. The opportunity to elevate the talent, skill and art of those incarcerated is important and a key way to promote self value and worth. We are excited to work with SMU Meadows School of Arts this year to host our 5th showing.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
More than books, apps or podcast, I would say building “relationships” has been the key at living my best life. Whether it was trying to get to know a cellmate that was just put in my cell or the next donor/sponsor for Miles of Freedom, relationships has always been key. While I am an avid Bible reader and can relax to a good John Grisham, learning and getting to know people has truly been a blessing and game changer on this journey.
Contact Info:
- Email: rmiles@milesoffreedom.org
- Website: www.milesoffreedom.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard.miles.925059/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesoffreedomorg
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrisonToPromise
Image Credits:
Haley Ringo Photography
