Twenty-Eight years ago Andrew Johnson was wrongfully convicted of rape and sent to prison. In 2013 DNA testing proved his innocence, and he was released.

The state of Wyoming does not pay restitution to people incarcerated for wrongful convictions.

Johnson is now 67-year-old and struggling to make it.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports Chris and Rebecca Merrill of Laramie have been helping Johnson financially for about four years, including buying him a used vehicle so he can get to work and medical appointments.

Chris Merrill told the Star he believes the residents of Wyoming owe the 67-year-old man a debt so he started an online fundraiser with the goal of raising $100,000 for Johnson. Donors had pledged nearly $5,000 by midmorning Monday.

Should the state of Wyoming change pay restitution for those who are wrongfully convicted? What about changing it only in extreme cases like this? At age 67, how much longer can Johnson work after nearly 30 years of false imprisonment?

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