This is the true story of Maryland's 1st Exonerated, Leslie A. Vass, who at age 17 was arrested for Armed Robbery. Leslie was sentenced to 20 years, imprisoned at the Maryland State Penitentiary where he enrolled in the paralegal course which taught him how to pro se litigate his own case. Leslie's conviction took place before there were any organizations created to assist individuals proclaiming innocence and this story is the factual process that he endured to prove his innocence. October 16th, 2013 Leslie A. Vass celebrated his 29th year Anniversary being free from the wrongful imprisonment. Leslie was the 1st Maryland Exoneree whom actually petitioned the Maryland State Board of Public Works in 1987 for compensation for the 10 years spent wrongfully imprisoned; he was granted a "Full Unconditional Pardon" from then Governor Harry Hughes in August 1986 and has been issued several Court Orders to expunge the criminal records reference the erroneous imprisonment case. In the year of 1998, Leslie A. Vass filed a "Complaint & Demand" to the Maryland State Treasurer, Mr. Richard N. Dixon requesting that he be further compensated for the State of Maryland's non compliance to the court orders, and was granted the "limits" for this error. Later Leslie gained employment at the State Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation as an Employment Specialist II where he won numerous citations and awards for his record of placing 160 clients in a six (6) month period, these clients were considered "at risk" clients whom had prior criminal records or were WIA Clients. To hear more of this amazing, compelling, heart touching story contact Leslie.Vass@Hotmail.Com to schedule the TidalWave Within Presentation. Leslie has appeared on numerous local aired radio and television programs, Universities, Innocence Project Organization Conferences etc. Hear how in 2004 to add insult to injury how the same wrongful imprisonment records were used to deny Leslie bail after he was accused of being involved in a stabbing, hear how Leslie was held until July 2005 before being found "not guilty" of those charges and the struggle he has endured along with his children he is custodial parent to.

A wrongfully convicted man of 17 years old finds his way out by studying the law to get his case overturned after being sentenced to spend 20 years in prison. Executive produced by Dr. J.J. Spinner, who desires to show the world of the misfortunes one has to concede with to prove their innocence. Please view and share as this is a story for the whole family to learn how we have to protect our youth.