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THOMAS HAYNESWORTH: First year of freedom

Posted at 8:44 AM, Mar 22, 2012
and last updated 2012-03-22 08:44:22-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - One year ago Thomas Haynesworth walked out of prison a free man. He had spent nearly 30 years behind bars after he was convicted of rape in Richmond, Virginia. Decades later, DNA cleared him of the crime.

On the one year anniversary of his release, CBS 6 reporter Shelby Brown spoke to Haynesworth about his first year of freedom.

"I think back how the year flew, just being home one year, free from the institution back home with the family," Haynesworth said.

Haynesworth said he spent the year doing things he was unable to do while in prison. He traveled, saw the Dallas Cowboys, went bowling, fishing and hung out with friends.

Despite the attention surrounding his case, Haynesworth said he will not dwell on his past and instead look forward to his future.

A future that he said includes helping people who have to deal with similar problems he faced.

"What i want to do is help other people who have been wrongfully convicted," he said. "Do what I can to help them in any way."

Haynesworth said he still keeps in touch with some of the inmates he met in prison and visits them from time to time.

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