Maryland Man Sues Harford County Officials Over 32-Year Wrongful Conviction

John Huffington, who spent 32 years in prison for a double murder he did not commit, has filed a civil lawsuit against Harford County and former law enforcement officials, including disbarred former State's Attorney Joseph Cassilly, alleging malicious prosecution, false arrest, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Huffington was convicted at age 18 in 1981 for the murders of Diane Becker and Joseph Hudson Jr., with allegations that prosecutors and investigators fabricated testimony and withheld exculpatory evidence. Cassilly, who served 36 years and was disbarred for withholding evidence, died in January 2025, and his estate is named in the suit. Huffington was released in 2013 after new evidence emerged, entered an Alford plea in 2017 maintaining innocence, and received a full pardon in 2023 from then-Governor Larry Hogan, along with a state apology and $3 million settlement. Huffington now dedicates his life to helping others affected by wrongful incarceration and seeks accountability not only for himself but for others he believes remain imprisoned unjustly. Current officials, including Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly, Joseph's brother, have distanced the county government from the lawsuit, emphasizing support for law enforcement professionals.