1983 Conviction of NFL Player's Father Overturned Due to Police Misconduct

Jeffrey Koonce, father of Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce, has his conviction vacated after a review revealed flawed investigative practices.

Westchester County DA Mimi Rocah's Conviction Review Unit found that Jeffrey Koonce's armed robbery conviction was based on improper police tactics and false testimony.
Koonce, 67, served over eight years in prison following his conviction for a 1981 robbery in Mount Vernon, New York, which he has always maintained he did not commit.
The investigation uncovered that police used a highly suggestive photo identification process and pressured the sole eyewitness, who later recanted their testimony.
The review also revealed that detectives failed to interview alibi witnesses, including a retired NYPD officer who confirmed Koonce's alibi.
A judge vacated Koonce's conviction, citing procedural flaws and insufficient evidence, marking the end of a 41-year legal battle for vindication.