BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Justice for Jerome.
That’s what over 100 people chanted at Lafayette Square Thursday night during a rally held for community leader, mentor, and activist Jerome Wright.
He was convicted of second-degree murder, manslaughter, robbery and burglary at 18 and served 30 years in prison.
After a number of parole requests were denied, Wright was released on parole in 2009.
His supporters say he had a clean parole record, with not even a technical violation when he was arrested and put back in jail last November.
It was for allegedly failing a routine drug test.
In the 10 years since he was released from prison, he has made Buffalo home where he is the sole provider for his family which includes his wife who is disabled, and a son who lives with Down syndrome.
He can no longer provide care or income for that family since being behind bars in Alden for the past 6 months.
Those rallying say he’s been in jail without a conviction, either.
We reached out to the parole board for confirmation of the charges and it says the story about Wright is “simply false”.
The following statement was released via DOCCS (Department of Corrections and Community Supervision) spokesperson Thomas Mailey:
“Accounts that Mr. Wright was violated for a low level drug infraction are simply false. Not only did Mr. Wright attempt to evade and then fail a drug test, he assaulted and injured multiple staff as they struggled to take him into custody during the violation process. It should also be noted that throughout this entire proceeding, the Department has attempted to resolve this matter expeditiously, however, Mr. Wright has elected to prolong the adjudication, including the recent termination of his attorney which will undoubtedly require an adjournment of the hearing.”
