Wrongfully Convicted Man-Leslie Vass 

What a warm and gentle person this guy is. The fact he was incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit and continued to educate himself in law and helped other inmates get their cases overturned and reduced, it speaks volumes of his character. My heart goes out to Leslie, I hope his life is fulfilling from here on out.

Netflix needs to investigate this story and if possible turn it into a 10 hour docuseries.

For those who don’t know who Len Bias was the second overall pick in the 1986 draft and was arguably on track to be ‘better than Jordan’ but died due to a drug overdose.The fact this man was able to beat him two times in a row at nearly 30 is insane. This man was robbed of his life and full potential for NOTHING I cannot see how he remains so positive and mild mannered. My prayers go out to him.

This man is 62 years old and he’s still dealing with a wrongful conviction from when he was 17 years 🤬🤬🤬

how tf did he get 20 for robbery (that he didnt do) and people get 30 for murder and some get 25 for drug possession. the justice system is the biggest joke

20 years for $120? And $250k for what this man went through doesn't even begin to cover it. Also, this man's storytelling ability is incredible. Recalls the smallest details.

Outrageous ! These miscarriages of justice are sickening to hear. I'm SO gutted for Leslie. He was robbed of what could have been an illustrious career and a wonderful life. Instead his hopes and dreams were left in tatters around him. Leslie, your continued integrity shines like a beacon on all of us.

Please do a follow up with this gentleman, I would love to see him progress after such injustice done to him.

This hurts my heart to listen to. All I can say is what a story. Most importantly, he managed to remain eloquent, strong, and well mannered. Incredible. God bless that man

His voice quivered when talked about being a child and not knowing what was going on. This just got me. There is no worse a feeling than feeling sorry for yourself and not being able to help yourself. Injustice is the worst.

You know this Gentleman is genuine when he said "what the hell is goin....excuse me"...

I’m from Annapolis MD, 15 mins from Baltimore and this is still going on this very day. I wish him nothing but the best and he deserves so much more.

Listening to his story has left me in tears and shaking with impotent rage. His entire life has been taken from him...who here believes that no one, NOT ONE PERSON could get the WRONGFUL CONVICTION removed from his record? His life story is a perfect example of the systemic racism that was designed to do exactly what it did: steal a life that was full of promise and also destroy the lives of his children. I am so tired people...the hardest part of all of this is not that nobody understood his plight,. it is that they understood and did not care.

Dearest Leslie, You are such a strong, good man. Your years of wrongful incarceration could have made you bitter and filled with rage. Instead, they grew you into the good man you are. In prison, you learned patience, forgiveness of a sort, and you learned to accept life on life's terms. You are not a victim. You are someone who overcame a horrific injustice. You are someone that the system could not crush. You are a man with an epic cautionary tale of the system's injustice and how one man was able to withstand the cruelty of those supposed to mete out justice but tragically did not. Your story, sir, could be made into a film for the world to marvel at your strength and how you took the years the locust ate and let them make you into a giant of man not just in size but in character. Always know you are not a victim you are an overcomer of great courage and forbearance. For the thousands of people who will see this video and hear your story, you are a hero. Much love to you always, Nancy J. Simpson

It’s generational curses like these is why black people still talking about reparations. The government should pay him annually. They owe his grandchildren.

I got about halfway through. When I heard him say he was convinced of 20 years, I broke down. I don’t think I can listen to the rest. It’s just heartbreaking. A well spoken, smart, young man loved by the community with a promising basketball career… just thrown away. It’s too much. And no amount of winning lawsuits and money can get you back what you lost. I really wish him all the best. Thank you, Mark!

I hope An attorney is watching and reaches out to this man to help.

wow. it's criminal he was only awarded 250k for 10 years of his life.

His daughter not wanting to talk about what happened to her at age 4 in foster care...is horrifying.

I almost stopped watching this story several times because the more he shared the more heartbreaking it became. Wrongful convictions happen too often in the black community. His best years were taken away without any regard. It's sad to say that if you have black sons, brothers, family members you carry this fear daily. I know I do. I'm fearful every day for my son since he was a teen. He's an adult now, but I'm fearful every time he leaves his home or out shopping, driving etc. Black men are always stopped & questioned because they supposedly fit the description of some other black person when they don't at all. Mr Vass I applaud you for educating yourself in law. I'm happy that you've done great things to be a great man. I like that you're so articulate & have the best memory about everything. Maybe you could start a nonprofit organization that many of us would contribute to for you to follow your passion to help others. I hope that one day soon the governor of Maryland or someone will do what's needed to clear your record. I wish you nothing but the best. God bless you sir 💙🙇🏽‍♀️ I want to see an update of Mr Leslie Vass hopefully soon.

This dirtiness that has been allowed to continue. There is no compensation that is enough for a person who was abused in such away, a life stolen!! DESTROYED. Should the conviction not be wiped from records immediately?? I am dumbfounded that this happened this way. I am so sorry the American state failed this man so atrociously and even more disappointed that it has continued to happen up to today. Devastating, no other words. May we get to a day when these things cease to repeat.

my heart is breaking - my blood is boiling - i'm sorry mr. vass - what a terrific man

He should be paid millions and that's not enough. Can he get a GoFundMe?

Someone needs to make a movie about this guys life.

This almost made me cry 😢 I hate corruption to my core.

They need to make a movie out of Leslie’s story!!! Nobody can bring Leslie’s time back but somebody should be accountable for this injustice....!!

I’m so proud of him. He is doing and has been doing everything right. He’s being crapped on because he’s black. He is fighting to do right, and he’s being stopped because he was wrongfully accused, convicted, and imprisoned. His kids were taken. This is so f’d up there are zero words for it. Thank you for sharing his story. We need to hear about this. We need to know about this. It’s easy to put the blinders on and say, “racism doesn’t exist.” Watching this you can’t help but see every single thing he does is effected by racism.

To have to fight so hard and long for his freedom, I'm amazed he never gave up. And then to turn around and help others.🙏 I admire this guy the most. What an inspirational speaker.

He was a child; never having been in trouble. The society that has allowed this over the years. So sad!!

This happens over and over because the common senses, ”We don't care” is always directed towards African Americans. Look at the time taken from you! ”I was 17 then and I'm 62 now” wow, I started crying! I'm FB friends with you, and will touch base that way, so sad.

"They messed up, but that mess up was devastating to my life." 💔

This was a hell of a story! How can a federal court room do sutch a huge mistake from a inocent child at 17 years?! What cind of people is this?? Hope this wonderful man can find his peace, and have a wonderful life in the future. Wish you all the luck in the world Leslie! You a a true winner! Regards from Norway!

Mark, thank you for airing this story in its entirety. This man deserves our attention and support. In any way that we can help him finally over come this tragedy, we should. If a petition will work, let’s do it. Bottom line is this man has given back in spite of how he was treated and now he needs humanity to help him. Is there an organization that assists with matters such as this. Let’s do whatever we can for him, just let us know. Tye

He is so kind, so worthy and is truly a warm and gentle being. These stories happen over and over again. Society must change - he deserves so much. Much love from Canada.....

This was heartbreaking. They rather ruin a young mans live than admit that they are wrong . 😞

Seems like a sweet lovable guy. Wish he was awarded millions. He deserve to get it. Freedom was taken for no reason. ♥

Out of everything Mark has posted this is truly a depiction of America. I’m so sorry for what happened to you Leslie. Sending u love.

this man should write a book i wish him nothing but the best God bless you sir 🙏

My heart broke 💔 when he said he went to the Penn as a juvenile in Maximum security. I hear the PTSD in his voice. On top of all that he can't even keep/get a job because of his past. All his dreams taken away from him because of a corrupt system. Don't give up Leslie.

The sadness and disappointment in his eyes, especially at the end of the interview. Wow. What a strong man.

50 cent is doing a excellent job with telling Aaron Wallace's story in "For Life". He needs to do this man's story too. Maybe a whole series of black men wrongfully convicted and who got themselves out of prision

Leslie Vass thank you for your impact on my life.

Can we help him please? This is terrible. I m ashamed of our court system.

You have to ask yourself the question, how many times did that cop do the same thing to other black men?

Poor man I feel for this guy .. any justice or compensation couldnt make up or repair what hes been through and still going through .. and to remain so humble and calm on the outside with all the torment inside well your a better man than me ! You deserve the best

They did this man wrong.

I hear so much pain in his voice. Made me cry for what he has been through. More people need to hear his story.

The government OWES this man. This government OWES this man's grandchildren's grandchildren. This is generational

i’m from baltimore and this is such a common occurrence it’s horrible. we need to break down and rebuild authority that we think we can trust. so sad

Pay that man...you can see how accusations can ruin a black mans life...

He’s so lovable, bless his heart! I hope him speaking from the heart in this interview brings him many blessings and opportunities.

What a nice, gentle soul...he is so gently spoken has been through so much but carries himself, clean & tall and didn't give up on life or his part in life! I wish him only the best...

This is HORRIFYNG, he was victimized time and time again and then his children suffered by wrongfully being placed in foster care. He is owed so much more than the measly payouts he got when exonerated. His life was ruined yet he kept rising above, with such a humble and kind spirit. This reminds me of a new TV series called For Life - Executive Produced by Fifty Cent and Q Ball Executive Produced by Kevin Durant. Maybe he can reach out to them, a movie needs to be made about him. Mind boggling and crushing to find out the outcome of the informant, the true criminal.

Cases like this truly make my blood boil, and I cannot even imagine how much hurt this lovely man must carry. Thank you for sharing.

250k, but f!$%ed for life. Has to fight to make a living, and can't get reliable housing for the rest of his life. His kids were put in foster care and he's supposed to be happy about 250k?!? Doesn't add up. Infuriating.

I think he should write a novel, it would be huge. I hope everything turns out well for him. He’s a good person, but deeply 😞

Happens all the time in their community. It’s sickening

That settlement amount is a joke. He needs that much per year for the rest of his life. It really pisses me off. What a spit in the face, 250,000? its insulting and preposterously low.

His voice is heart breaking, hearing a big man like that so broken.

The “justice” system did this innocent man dirty 💔

In my criminal justice class last year we had a project to research wrongfully convicted men and this reminds me of that protect it’s really sad that this happens to these people

America is hell on earth for black men and women, it’s tragic

this is probably the most heartbreaking story mark has covered to date

I love how he told his story...he reeled me in, being able to picture all the events in my head, as he spoke it! He’s so passionate! God Bless him!

I cannot believe what this poor man went through, not just once, but twice. What a corrupt system we have. They didn’t give a crap that his life was being stolen, as long as they can protect their informant. I’m surprised he’s not bitter. I really enjoyed listening to this man and his heartbreaking story. I hope he finds peace and fulfillment and that his daughter can some day heal, as well.

I reside in Atlanta and can help him with employment

I live in Baltimore an his story is “a cautionary tale “ how even when you do everything “right” you still can be wronged.

That was painful Sir thank you for sharing your story!

Hope someone sees this who needs this guys many skills and gives him a job. Youd be hard pressed to find a stronger person with more perseverance than this dude

Mr Vass, I'm sorry that our justice system allowed that to happen to you. I'm happy to see that you didn't let it determine your personality. Thank you for sharing your story and bringing attention to a problem that is still large today.

He is such a great storyteller, he could remember all the addresses and dates of each event, incredible , really enjoyed this one , love your work mark !

Unbelievable story! I worked in Corrections and I’ve seen wrongly convicted individuals... I don’t feel for criminals but I do feel for guys like Leslie! Dirty ass cop, prosecutors and judges! They need to put them in prison! Good luck sir, I wish you the best! ✌️

I love how people from Baltimore talk

My heart breaks for what he's had to endure. No words....

I believe every word this man is saying. It's stories like these that make me against the death penalty. There's too much corruption in the system.

Had to click on this so fast 🙏

Disgusting, rage inducing and just plain horrifying what this man went through. Common sense seems to just disappear once some people become "officials". So very sorry this happened to you...love and blessings to you Mr. Vass.

Our systems are beyond broken, beyond corrupt. While I am grateful to see these systems crumbling from the inside-out, my heart is with those whose lives have been stolen. Thank you for sharing your story so eloquently, Mr. Vass. I wish you all the best and am touched by your determination.

This man has been wronged............Peace and love,brother

This man deserved compensation equal to what he would have made as an NBA player PLUS compensation for all he AND his family had to endure all those years. This isn't just a wrongful conviction story - he was set the fuck up by cops. I can never find words strong enough to describe how this makes me feel...my heart goes out to him and his family ❤️

Mark & Leslie, once again- incredible sharing of stories. If these weren’t told, I wouldn’t have been able to believe it!

Thank you so much, Mark for giving Mr. Leslie the opportunity to share his story on this platform. Please do more of these, the world needs to know.

This really got me because there are thousands of stories like his. Black men get locked up for crimes they did not commit. There are almost a million Black men locked up in America, the country my ancestors built. So disgusting.

Thank you for sharing Leslie’s story. 💔

Mr. Vass - Your story has broken my heart and I wish I could take your pain away. I hope the rest of your life is filled with everything you want, need and deserve. I would love to donate to you. It’s the least a stranger like me can do. Best regards. You’re a strong person, well beyond your height.

This man is literally such an amazing, inspirational man! I cannot believe all the absolute bullshit he has endured and he seems like such a warm, gentle soul. It’s nice to actually see an inspirational story instead of the usual, depressing, drug addict who was molested. Don’t get me wrong I adore your channel. I legit watch it every single night after my son go to bed while I fold my laundry. This is literally the very best channel I found! I love seeing every new interview! Many have made me cry, some have made me angry but either way I go to bed to your interviews every night. I’m bout to order my tshirt wit Amanda quote on the back! Keep me coming!! Love your work, Mark! Leslie... u are an amazing man, n u deserve the world for your troubles in life. U should have gotten a couple million so u could have lived on that for life!! Stay strong

What a Testimony I pray for him continually pray for his accomplishments out of something so horrible good prevails Thank You 🙏🏽 Mark for sharing your so comfortably to talk too Your spirit is so agreeable to your interviewers This man is Brilliant The System’s was on all levels are disgusting so disgusting deprived is damaging

thank you for uploading this i have experience with this pain never really goes away

What a beautiful person. If I think about what he has been through my heart hurts...The world is such an unfair place.

This is one of the BEST STORIES OR INTERVIEWS YOU HAVE DONE . THE BEST . THANK YOU FOR CARE AND TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

You have a beautiful soul Mr. Vass. I am so sorry this happened to you, and thank you for sharing your story.

Absolutely terrifying.

OMG...this is so painful to hear. Thank you both for telling this tragic story, in all its heartbreaking detail. It helps to highlight that this is just par for the course, in the U.S so-called justice system. Absolutely deplorable actions by all these officers of the court. And it seems to have only gotten worse in the years since this gentleman's wrongful conviction and incarceration. I'm encouraged by the recent groundswell of movement for Black Lives Matter, and the growing awareness about these deeply systemic racial disparities and injustices. Keep up the good work in sharing your story, and others, Mr. Vass. Personal accounts of injustice have such power and gravity, especially when told by people who possess such dignity. Blessings to you in your continued journey for restorative justice.

This man is stronger than I. Though I am afforded privileges he is not I still would have been irate. It's clear getting furious and explosive doesn't help the cause of one's innocence but ffs even after the system screwed him over not once but twice he is still excellently spoken and a calm individual. My hats off to you Mark for getting his story out and helping him share his story

We have such a F'd up system. My heart just breaks for this man and his family....

There is a gofundme for Leslie, if anyone wants to help him out 🥺🥺🥺

My heart hurts for this man. What a story. He is incredible for never giving up. He still tried to live his life right and has these unbelievable values after all he has went through. God bless him. If anyone deserves help and break from a lawyer to unconditionally help him clear his name before he dies this man does and he deserves some retirement compensation for how that state screwed up his life. God bless this man and his family ❤️🙏🏻

I was incarcerated with this brother; good brother!! I bear witness to him being negatively impacted by his past. This is a story that the world needs to hear. I also watched this man come out of prison and raise his children by his self and is a Dam good father!!!

This makes me sick. I hope the people who put him in jail burn in rotten hell. This man is so kind and still so positive after all he’s been through. We could all learn something from this man. I hope this guy finds peace and happiness and God bless this man.