27 Apr From Wrongful Imprisonment to Empowerment
Sidney Holmes’ journey from 34 years of wrongful incarceration to a whole new beginning with the help of OIC of South Florida
Sidney Holmes released from prison March 13, 2023
When you meet Sidney Holmes in person, it can be an unsettling experience — not for the reasons you might think. Standing face-to-face with a man who’s spent over three decades in prison, you’d expect to be a little intimidated. That much time behind bars, no matter what the circumstances, is going to change a person. But Holmes’ demeanor isn’t what you’d expect. He’s not hard or gruff. On the contrary, he’s a gentle, soft-spoken man with a kind and unassuming demeanor. What surprises you the most though is that he’s not angry.
How can that be? How can an innocent man who spent more of his life inside than outside of prison not be angry? It’s unfathomable. “I want to be angry for him,” said Newton Sanon, President and CEO of OIC of South Florida. “It’s just an incredible story.”
Holmes spent 34 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. He was just a young man, barely 23, when he was convicted of an attempted robbery in 1989 and sentenced to 400 years in prison. The case against him alleged he was the driver of a getaway car in a carjacking at a convenience store on Father’s Day the year prior. No victims were hurt in the encounter, and no other suspects were arrested.
Despite his alibi, corroborated by multiple witnesses, Holmes’ conviction was based in large part on a single eyewitness’ identification and a flawed focus on his vehicle. Holmes maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration and eventually grabbed the attention of the Innocence Project of Florida who helped him pursue his exoneration. In November 2020, the Broward County State Attorney’s Office’s Conviction Review Unit (CRU) began investigating the circumstances of Holmes’ conviction and identified several inconsistencies in the evidence that led to his conviction. The panel of six unanimously agreed there was reasonable doubt of his guilt.
So, on March 13, 2023, Sidney Holmes, now 57, walked out of prison a free man. He walked right into the open arms of his family who never wavered in their support. For that he says he is grateful. “I never lost hope,” he said. “My Christian faith wouldn’t let me. I also can’t have hate. Just have to keep moving.”
A fresh start.
Lanee Jackson-Orange, OIC of South Florida Sr. Program Manager, Nicole Mitchele (sister), Sidney Holmes and OIC of South Florida CEO and President, Newton Sanon
A few days later, Holmes walked into the offices of OIC of South Florida to meet the team and start charting an all-new path forward. With a love for cooking, he started pursuing certifications in food service and food management. In less than a month, he’s already completed his first certification. “He’s just very excited and committed to doing the work,” said Nichole Taylor, case manager at OIC of South Florida. “His dream is to one day have his own food truck, and we’re dedicated to helping him make that happen.”
Like anyone reentering the community after incarceration, Holmes faces challenges. The world has changed drastically over the past three decades. He has a lot of catching up to do.
That’s where OIC of South Florida comes in. The organization has deep roots in the community, helping individuals overcome barriers to achieve self-sufficiency and economic opportunity through education, training, workforce development and employment placement. For 22 years, its flagship program has been helping individuals just like Holmes transition back into the community, getting them from prison to productivity by helping them achieve one of the most basic needs — a job and a paycheck.
Follow Holmes’ journey as he works to develop his culinary skills with the help of OIC of South Florida. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination combined with community support.
This is only the beginning.