Victor Caminata

Wrongfully convicted: May 14, 2009
Exonerated: January 22, 2014
Wexford County

Victor Caminata was convicted of arson in 2009 and sentenced to up to 40 years in prison. 

The Innocence Clinic, working with arson litigator Michael McKenzie and multiple world-renowned fire experts, was able to demonstrate that the case for arson was built on junk science, and the real cause of the fire was a leaking chimney. 

The prosecution initially contested the clinic’s case, but then conceded that the conviction should be vacated, and later dismissed all charges.

More details available at:

• The National Registry of Exonerations: Victor Caminata
• The Morning Sun: "Exonerated man shares experience at CMU" 
• MLive: "After four years in prison for arson, exonerated Michigan man sues sheriff's deputies, state police"