Bill Dillon Roundup

Ryan — June 17, 2009 @ 3:27 PM — Comments (11)

There has been a flurry of activity recently surrounding the case of William Dillon.

Dillon was exonerated by DNA testing in November of 2008 and released from prison the next month. As we have mentioned a handful of times earlier, his case involved the testimony of a one John Preston who, with his dog Harass II, made the rounds providing fraudulent testimony to convict whomever the police wanted him to. Preston has been exposed as a charlatan and a fraud, and it was believed he was “regularly retained to confirm the state’s preconceived notions about cases.”

On Sunday, the Orlando Sentinel ran an editorial detailing the injustices perpetrated by Preston and his Wonder Dog. They essentially asked two questions: How many more innocent people are in prison because of Preston? and How will we ever know? (See also the accompanying blog post by Scott Maxwell.)

That same day, news broke that Florida Sen. Mike Haridopolos of Brevard County would sponsor a bill to provide compensation for Dillon.

On Examiner.com, J. D. Tuccille posted about Preston and forensic science in general.

Related posts:

  1. Orlando Sentinel keeps the pressure on Preston investigation The Orlando Sentinel continued the media flurry today regarding John Preston and his magic dog. The story continues to spread,...
  2. Bill Dillon speaks publicly in Melbourne, Florida On Saturday night, William Dillon spoke to a crowd at the Space Coast Progressive Alliance’s “Audacity of Hope” event at...
  3. 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,...
  4. The Dillon Case: It’s all about the Perjury When most folks think of the Dillon case, they are immediately attracted to John Preston and his Magic Dog, Harrass...
  5. Bill Dillon on the Radio Bill Dillon appeared on Deminski and Doyle on 94.7 WCSX, Detroit’s Rock Station to talk about his case.  The segment...
  6. A visit from Bill Dillon We had quite a treat a few days ago when Bill Dillon, a man we fought to exonerate, swung by the...

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Comments and Pings on “Bill Dillon Roundup”

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     June 18, 2009 @ 6:52 pm

  2. I am the sister of the 4th person , whose case is being investigated finally
    because of John Preston and his dogs, and just wanted to say that we are
    elated for Mr. Dillion. We have been living a NIGHTMARE FOR 25 YEARS
    due to Mr. Preston’s testimony in my brothers case. With limited money and resources we have struggled through the years to get anyone to look into
    Mr. Preston and his claims. With Mr.Dillions case being overturned it gives
    us hope that the same will finally happen for my brother. I hope that with
    your coverage of Mr. Dillon’s case and others, the injustices carried out by
    those in charge of judicial practices in the state of Florida will really be looked into
    in depth. Again . our heart felted congrats go out to Mr. Dillion and his family.

    Donnetta Swartz

  3. I have followed these cases in Brevard County for years becoming interested with Wilton Dedge as he was incarcerated at that time with both our sons . They too are amongst those represented by The Innocence Project of Florida incarcerated seventeen years,cases in another county of Florida. When it became media about Mr. Dillion I could not believe what I was reading. There are too many questions needing to be answered by our judicial systems. First one: Why do they feel it necessary to send Innocent to prison for years then, fight to keep them incarcerated once possible Proof of Innocence is present? I would hate to think this all comes down to REVENUE… As heart felt as we know personally this is for all those suffering under the Wrongful Convictions within the Florida Judicial system, we also realize it will not change till laws are made holding judges, prosecutors and law enforcement accountable for their deliberate actions and concealing of evidence within the court arena.
    Mr. Dillion never give up the battle..you are helping to carry the Flag of Freedom for those left behind…These parents are Thanking You and All those marching along in this Ongoing Battle for Justice.

     Sharon Simmons — June 25, 2009 @ 10:42 am

  4. How may I contact Mr. Bill Dillon directly? I was truly heartbroken to hear how badly he was treated and judged worngfully. I would love to get to know him and be his friend. May God bless his life and see that he is greatly confensated for the loss of most of his life in such a horrible place away from all his loved ones. there needs to be a MOVIE about his story, and as a Filmer I would love the Honor to be able to bring this about ASAP. I pray for Justice always.
    I live in Fallbrook, Ca.

    Sincerely,
    Carol Meeks

  5. Congratulations Dilion!
    Bill Dilion, I hope now you can go for your Billions….

  6. To Mr Dillon, Your story touched my heart and my spirit cried at the wrongs committed against you. I hope that you finally find the happiness you deserve. You have certainly paid forward!!! As a mother of a convicted felon who has been incarcerated for sixteen years and counting, I know the pain and heartbreak your mother suffered during those years. And I can only imagine the happiness she felt when you finally were set free. I have often said prison is the darkest place on the face of the earth and so I guess that is why sometimes our shining lights must be placed there. Your very life now gives so very many hope where once only despair existed.
    Live Well, Mr. Dillon

     Deborah Wibters — May 29, 2010 @ 8:13 pm

  7. Congratulations Bill !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Just watched the show.What has happened to you is just so wrong. I hope you enjoy the rest of your life,and have the the best life ever you deserve it. GOD BLESS YOU !

    Sherry

  8. Dear Bill,
    I’m glad you are living your life! My friend was arrested for conspiracy to commit and he served 7 years. When he was arrested he was on probation. He had no drugs or money yet florida law makes it impossible for anyone to complete probation. He was facing 27 years, so he plead guilty to a probation violation he did not commit. In turn he did 7 years. He just got out in Jan 2010 and adjusting is not easy. He was also at the same prison as you. Hardee is for “HardTimes.” You are an inpiration. I am so impressed that you used your gut instinct and filed that motion. I would love to see you play as I am a musician myself. Where can I get your CD? take care, and God Bless you and your devoted family. Bernadett Celene

     Bernadett — June 3, 2010 @ 2:15 am

  9. Hi Bill!!
    I just watched a 48 Hrs show about your story and my heart goes out to you! I would be so honored to meet you!! You are truly an inspiration and it would be my honor to meet the man with such integrity and determination to proving innosence overcoming such odds. Please know that you have a lot of supporters. If you ever come to Indiana to play your music or lecture, please contact me, so I can come. Life is short. Embrace life every day…focus on what is really important and has meaning to you. God Bless you!!!
    You are so deserving !!
    Shar ;) )
    Hugzzzz to you!!

  10. Hello Bill,

    I just watched your story…SIGH!!!!!!! I cannot believe the injustice you received and not to be compensated is just another blow!! I’m so sorry for what happened to you, but know this! There are many people that you would call stranger that love you bro!! You seem like a very good guy, and my prayers are with you. One thing you can do, write a book!! At least you would make quite a few bucks on doing it.

    God Bless my brother!

    Sincerely Anthony
    arecene2002@yahoo.com

     Anthony Recenello — August 23, 2010 @ 2:06 am

  11. i just watched the story on bill dillon on the investigation discovery chanel. i wish the best for him and would be proud to meet him some day. i live in the state of vermont and there are many cases here that should be looked into here also. i also think bill should be commended on his music, he has a wonderfull voice.

     inette wujcik — August 23, 2010 @ 2:08 am

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