FORTRESS GLOBAL INVSTIGATIONS’ DONATE P.I.’S TO INVESTIGATE WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS.

Fortress Global Investigations, a nationally distinguished private investigation firm, announced on October 27th the launch of the Fortress Innocence Group (FIG), an initiative to investigate and gather evidence for cases of wrongful conviction in collaboration with aiding law firms. Fortress Global Investigations President and CEO and former Manhattan persecutor, Robert Seiden, made the announcement standing side by side with his new partners— Martin Tankleff who was recently exonerated after 17 years in prison, and Jay Salpeter, the private investigator vital in securing his freedom.

The Group plans to conduct a strict appraisal of potential cases before accepting new cases, including one or multiple polygraphs, in depth questionnaires, and the evaluation of evidence and procedures. The Fortress Innocence Group hopes to be funded by private donations and public grants, and will work with experts within Fortress Global Investigations as well as private investigators across the United States, forensic experts, and former prosecutors and law enforcement.

“This is an unprecedented event in the history of the American criminal justice system,” said Seiden. “[It] will undoubtedly have an impact on the lives of innocent people wrongly convicted and may well shed much needed light on some of the inherent flaws [in the system].”

Perhaps the most compelling words were Mr. Tankliff ‘s, who celebrated a joyous anniversary of exactly 10 months since he was released from prison. “In many ways it’s just an epiphany,” said Tankliff. “Today is a day when I can make a difference for innocent men in the future.”

Also supporting FIG was New York State Assemblyman Michael Gianaris, Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, Senator Eric Schneiderman, and ‘exonerees’ Alan Newton, Dave Sheppard and Dr. Ruben “Hurricane” Carter.