Roger Dale Chapman, a jailhouse snitch whose testimony helped to convict William Dillon in 1981, admitted to lying on the stand and apologized to Dillon at yesterday’s compensation hearing.

Chapman was facing sexual battery charges of his own when former Brevard County sheriff’s homicide agent Thom Fair asked Chapman to gather information on Dillon’s involvement in the murder of James Dvorak. When Chapman came back stating that Dillon denied all involvement, Fair promised him dropped charges in his own case if he lied and testified against Dillon. DNA evidence has since proven Dillon’s innocence and exonerated him after 27 years in prison.

Chapman showed sincere remorse toward Dillon during his testimony yesterday, who in turn comforted him by letting him know he understood the circumstances and forgave him.

“Chapman apologized to me in front of everybody,” Dillon, who teared up during the testimony, said after the hearing. “He explained what he had to gain. I was emotionally perplexed, but I know he was pressed into it. I don’t necessarily blame him. He didn’t know me. Fair intimidated him.”

I have met a couple of Florida’s exonerees, including Bill Dillon, and I have to remark on how amazing it is to me that they are so forgiving. After all the wrongs that were made against them, they don’t hold grudges. Al Crotzer said during his June testimony before the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security: “Many in my position would be bitter and burdened by all that was taken during the wrongful incarceration. But I don’t have time for that.” – and he’s right. It’s the realization after losing a quarter century of your life that time is precious and it shouldn’t be wasted with anger. In addition to enjoying the time they have now, they work toward preventing wrongful incarcerations from happening to others. It is truly admirable.

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1. More About Snitch Testimony in Dillon As we chronicled here on Tuesday,  Roger Dale Chapman, who testified during William Dillon’s 1981 trial that Dillon made a...
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3. The State Uncharacteristically Admits Wrongdoing in Ates Case On the heels of Bill Dillon’s vacated conviction comes another Florida case about to hopefully see retrial. Jimmy Ates was...
4. Bill Dillon Compensation Hearing This Morning This morning in Tallahassee, FL William Dillon’s attorneys will present a case for compensation for his wrongful conviction and incarceration,...
5. Dillon Released from Jail, Questions Remain After spending nearly 28 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, William Dillon has been granted a new...
6. Bill Dillon Roundup There has been a flurry of activity recently surrounding the case of William Dillon. Dillon was exonerated by DNA testing...