Michael released on bail by order of U.S. Supreme Court

September 1, 2009: After nearly 9 long years spent in prison for a crime he did not commit Michael O'Laughlin was released today on bail. Michael was due to be released August 24th by mandate of the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals but the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts filed any emergency motion with the US Supreme Court to stay the mandate and keep Michael in prison. Associate Justice Stephen Breyer of the Supreme Court denied the Attorney General's motion and ordered Michael to be released with bail (see court order: http://www.freemichaelnow.com/JUstice_Breyer_amended_order.pdf). Although this doesn't mean Michael is freed it does mean he can get out of prison and spend time with family and friends. The Commonwealth can and most likely will file a petition for writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court to overturn the not guilty verdict of an 8-1 decision by the First Circuit Court of Appeals. There is a very strong possibility the Supreme Court will deny the Commonwealth's petition; at that time Michael will be released from bail and freed from the remaining 41 years of his sentence for wrongful conviction. We are so thankful and most grateful for Michael's legal team who have worked so diligently on Michael's behalf. Overturning a wrongful conviction is next to impossible; sadly it happens so infrequently, but with your prayers and never ending support this day has become a reality, and I can't begin to thank you enough.

Michael will be staying with his Mother on Cape Cod. If you wish to send Michael cards and letters please email me (dickleb@aol.cm) for his address, and I will gladly send it to you.

Once again thank you so very, very much for your prayers, your support and your belief in Michael's innocence; it helped kept Michael spirits up during his time in prison.

God bless you,
Dick