For over 31 years, Major Tillery has been a prisoner of the State.
Despite that extraordinary fact, he continues his battles, both in the prison for his health, and in the courts for his freedom.
Several weeks ago, Tillery filed a direct challenge to his criminal conviction, by arguing that a so-called “secret witness” was, in fact, a paid police informant who was given a get-out-of-jail-free card if he testified against Tillery.
Remember I mentioned, “paid?”
Well, yes—the witness was “paid”—but not in dollars. He was paid in sex!
In the spring of 1984, Robert Mickens was facing decades in prison on rape and robbery charges. After he testified against Tillery, however, his 25-year sentence became five years probation!
And before he testified he was given an hour-and-a-half private visit with his girlfriend—at the Homicide Squad room at the Police Roundhouse. (Another such witness was given another sweetheart deal—lie on Major, and get off!)
To a prisoner, some things are more important than money. Like sex!
In a verified document written in April 2016, Mickens declares that he lied at trial, after being coached by the District Attorney’s and detectives on the case.
He lied to get out of jail—and because he could get with his girl.
Other men have done more for less.
Major’s 58-page petition is a time machine back into a practice that was once common in Philadelphia.
In the 1980s and ’90s, the Police Roundhouse had become a whorehouse.
Major, now facing serious health challenges from his hepatitis C infection, stubborn skin rashes, and dangerous intestinal disorders, is still battling.
And the fight ain’t over.
Major Tillery needs your help and support:
Major Tillery is an innocent man. There was no evidence against Major Tillery for the 1976 poolroom shootings that left one man dead and another wounded. The surviving victim gave a statement to homicide detectives naming others—not Tillery or his co-defendant—as the shooters. Major wasn’t charged until 1980. He was tried in 1985.
The only evidence at trial came from these jailhouse informants who were given sexual favors and plea deals for dozens of pending felonies for lying against Major Tillery. Both witnesses now declare their testimony was manufactured by the police and prosecution. Neither witness had personal knowledge of the shooting.
This is a case of prosecutorial misconduct and police corruption that goes to the deepest levels of rot in the Philadelphia criminal injustice system. Major Tillery deserves not just a new trial, but dismissal of the charges against him and his freedom from prison.
It cost a lot of money for Major Tillery to be able to file his new pro se PCRA petition and continue investigation to get more evidence of the state misconduct. He needs help to get lawyers to make sure this case is not ignored. Please contribute, now.
How you can help:
- Financial support: Tillery’s investigation is ongoing. To get this case filed has been costly. He needs funds for a legal team to fight this to his freedom.
Go to JPay.com, code: Major Tillery AM9786 PADOC - Tell Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams: Free Major Tillery! He is an innocent man framed by the police and prosecution. Call: 215-686-8711 or Email: [email protected]
- Write to: Major Tillery AM9786, SCI Frackville, 1111 Altamont Blvd., Frackville, PA 17931
- For more information, to read the new appeal, go to: Justice4MajorTillery/blogspot
Call/Write: Kamilah Iddeen (717) 379-9009, [email protected]; Nancy Lockhart (843) 412-2035, [email protected]; Rachel Wolkenstein, Esq. (917) 689-4009, [email protected]