Any hopes Alan Crotzer, who spent 24 years in a Florida prison for a crime he did not commit, has of receiving relief from the State of Florida in the coming special legislative session, may rely on Floridians receiving relief from property taxes.
Gov. Charlie Crist said Wednesday that the special session will focus on property taxes, and everything else will have to take a back seat.
"It's a case that cries out for justice," said Crist, of Crotzer's ordeal. "Whether or not it's one that can be utilized or addressed in this special session coming up, I'm not sure. I want to make sure we do what the special session is called for, and that's lower property taxes. If it's looking like we're getting closer to a deal, then we can consider it."
Crotzer spent 24 years in prison for a wrongful rape, burglary, robbery and kidnapping conviction before DNA evidence cleared him in 2005.
He and his attorney, Michael Olenick, who is working for free, tried to get a claims bill through the legislature this past session, that would've paid him $1.25 million. The House passed the bill, but the Senate didn't.