In August 2008, Eugene Robinson, a plumber in his late fifties returned home form work and was informed by his neighbors the police were looking for him.  His photo and name also appeared in the “Week’s Most Wanted” section of the Philadelphia Daily News, stating he was wanted for rape.  At the urging of a local politician and his own family, Robinson turned himself in, confident in his innocence, and believing he would be cleared of all charges.

But Robinson spent five months in jail for a crime he did not commit before police realized that they had made a very serious mistake:  they had arrested the wrong man due to an oversight.

The real rape suspect, was also named Eugene (but who had a different last name) and, according to CNN, police did not double check the mug shot that was pulled for the rapist’s warrant.

Robinson, who had a mug  on file due to an arrest for theft by deception, ended up spending eight additional months in jail because his incarceration caused him to fall behind on restitution payments.  Further complicating his life, while incarcerated, he lost his job.

The city of Philadelphia has agreed to pay him $85,000 in a settlement for the police negligence that cost him eight months of freedom, his job, and his dignity.