ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, February 21, 1997 TAG: 9702210077
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RICHMOND
SOURCE: Associated Press
Christopher Prince spent 15 months in prison for a crime he did not commit, but a technicality in General Assembly rules will prevent him from getting compensation.
The state Senate voted Thursday to strike a bill that would have paid Prince $49,000 because it had not been filed before Jan. 8, the first day of the legislative session.
The borderline mentally retarded man was convicted on the testimony of a 12-year-old girl in 1994 of breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony. The girl later recanted, and Prince was pardoned by Gov. George Allen.
Sen. Kevin Miller, R-Harrisonburg, had filed a compensation bill before the deadline, but it was killed last month by the Senate Finance Committee.
Several senators who voted against giving Prince, 21, any money said later they didn't remember doing so.
Miller filed a second bill Wednesday, and the Senate allowed him to rush it onto the floor without first being considered by committee.
But when the Senate was about to vote on the bill Thursday, Miller said he had made a procedural mistake and asked that the bill be eliminated.
All compensation bills must be filed by the opening date of the session. No exceptions are allowed.
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1997by CNB