A wrongfully convicted man locked up for 27 years is asking the state legislature for 2.4 million dollars. Bill Dillon was convicted of murdering a Brevard County man in 1981. However, DNA evidence freed Dillon less than a year ago after he has spent more than half his life behind bars.

According to his lawyer, it was a scheme of cohesion and cover up that landed 55-year-old William Dillon behind bars for 27 years.

The Brevard County prosecutor at the time used a medium tee-shirt covered with the victim’s blood as evidence against Dillon. Forensic scientists tested samples from the shirt in 2008, but Dillon’s DNA couldn’t be found. Dillon’s name was cleared a few weeks later.

During his first hour in prison, five inmates raped the then 21-year-old. Dillon’s legal team is asking the state legislature for 2.4 million dollars for lost time and suffering.

Florida law allows the wrongfully incarnated to seek compensation if they haven’t been convicted of any other crimes. Dillon was convicted of a drug charge two years prior to the murder. Two administrative judges acting on behalf of the House and Senate will make recommendations to the legislature on whether or not Dillon’s bill should be heard.