Watch CBS News

Marty Tankleff, Wrongfully Convicted Man Who Spent 17 Years In Prison, Mulls Run For Congress

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Long Island man who spent 17 years in prison before a court ruled he was innocent in his parents' murder is exploring possibly running for Congress.

Marty Tankleff said he's seriously considering the idea.

"It's definitely a yes; I'm looking at it right now," Tankleff told 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera. "It would be a Democratic or independent, but more likely as an independent. This way my allegiance is to the people; it's not to a political party."

Tankleff said he has a unique background and knows many people who've been victimized by the criminal justice and education systems.

"Think about the impact I could have on the criminal justice system by being in Congress," said Tankleff, who earned a law degree from Touro Law Center last year.

Tankleff was convicted in 1990 and sentenced to 50 years in prison in the murder of his parents. He was freed in 2007 after an appeals court found key evidence in his trial was overlooked. No one else has ever been charged in the killing of his parents.

Last year, he settled a wrongful conviction lawsuit against New York state for nearly $3.4 million.

Tankleff first announced his interest in running via Twitter.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.