"North Carolina City Pays Record $25M Settlement to Wrongfully Convicted Man"

Ronnie Long, wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for 44 years, has reached a $25 million settlement with a North Carolina city and the state, including a public apology, for his wrongful incarceration due to misconduct by authorities. The city of Concord will pay $22 million, and the State Bureau of Investigation will pay $3 million. Long, who was convicted in 1976, was released in 2020 after evidence of his innocence was revealed. The city acknowledged responsibility for the errors and misconduct that led to Long's wrongful conviction and imprisonment, with his attorneys calling the settlement and apology crucial for his healing.