Longest Wrongfully Incarcerated Person in Illinois Discusses Justice Reform

Jimmy Soto spent 42 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Mostly thanks to his own determination and research, and with the help of the Exoneration Project, Soto was able to get his charges dismissed, leading to his release. 

Accompanied by Parker parent Marjorie Berk Moss, who works on the case, Soto spoke to several Upper School history classes last week to share his story. Soto was falsely accused of being involved in a double murder. An accomplice witness implicated him through false testimony. 

Soto spent a majority of his time in prison dedicated to finding a way to get his case overturned. In the law library, he determined his options by researching cases to cite in petitions and helping other prisoners with their legal cases as well. Soto even wrote his own petition, which eventually secured his release. 

Soto also completed his bachelor’s degree while in prison through the Northwestern Prison Education Program. Of that experience, he said, “Education is transformative. It helped me be a better writer and a better thinker.”

Now, Soto continues advocacy work in justice reform, prison closures and wrongful convictions. He is still helping others with their wrongful conviction cases and receives calls daily from those with pending cases. “Doing the work for others motivated me to do it for myself,” Soto said. He plans to go to law school next year and continue fighting the injustices that led to his unjustified imprisonment.

Hearing stories like Soto’s resonates with Parker’s commitment to empathy and courage. His dedication to fighting for himself is truly inspiring, and the school is grateful to have guest speakers like Soto offer different perspectives to students.

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