Karma for Kelley: Frees the wrongfully; jails the rightfully

Greg Kelley, the poor soul exonerated of false child assault charges, is making the best of his newfound freedom. After a nightmare stint in the slammer, this ex-football star for Leander High is lacing up his running shoes and taking on ultra-marathons to raise cash for his non-profit, the "Vindication Foundation" [https://thevindicationfoundation.com/*facebook page*https://www.facebook.com/TheVindicationFoundation *Instagram*https://www.instagram.com/thevindicationfoundation/].

Kelley, 28, is no stranger to enduring struggles, having served time for a crime he didn't commit. Now he's channeling that prison-forged stamina into something positive, with a foundation aimed at helping others wronged by the justice system. With a hearty $1,500 already raised from his first race, Kelley's efforts are off to a solid start.

The Vindication Foundation, boasting a board that includes a retired teacher, a motivational speaker, and family friends, seeks to educate the public about the legal system's pitfalls and provide support for those falsely accused. Think of all the men who can't afford to pay for an investigation.

"I know I'm not the only victim of a false accusation and wrongful conviction," Kelley said, his words ringing with the steely determination of a man who refused a plea deal and did 25 years.

With his own lawyer, Keith Hampton, on board, the foundation will identify cases to support. Hampton, a legal eagle with a heart, has experienced the frustration of seeing clients unable to afford DNA experts or investigators to prove their innocence.

The story of Kelley's own exoneration is a rollercoaster. Wrongly convicted in 2014 by a Williamson County jury, he was sentenced to 25 years for super-aggravated sexual assault of a child, based on a 4-year-old's claim. But in 2017, a judge ruled his rights were violated due to a flawed police investigation, and he was released on bond. Finally, in 2019, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals overturned his conviction.

Since his release, Kelley has achieved the American dream. He's played football, modeled for a boot company, had his story featured on TV, bought his mom a home, married his high school sweetie, and started a business. Now, with his ax-throwing target company thriving, Kelley trains for these ultra-marathons, determined to help others.

So, where does the endurance come from?

"The same endurance I had to muster up in prison, I now use in ultra-marathons to go and fight for others," Kelley said.

We salute you, Mr. Kelley. May your foundation thrive and may you continue to outrun the injustice that once ensnared you. And watch out, folks, for his next race—a whopping 50-miler!