Justice Delayed, Is Justice Denied: Phillip A. Jones X Bruce Bryan

Bruce Bryan was wrongfully incarcerated at the age of 23 and went on to spend 29 long years in maximum-security prison in New York State.

As a result of a corrupt prosecutor who consistently bribed witnesses, and simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Bruce was handed down a life sentence for a crime he did not commit.

With a deep belief that prison was not where he was supposed to be, a fierce sense of hope and trust in a higher power, Bruce made the decision to let time serve him. Bruce viewed his sentence as time given, not time taken, and maintains that time is the most precious resource that we have. 

From the outset, Bruce was committed to ensuring he didn’t become hardened by the cold and often violent harshness of the prison system, which more often than not, results in inmates returning back inside its walls, after periods of prolonged separation from humanity.Thus, embarking his journey of transforming his life by pursuing higher education, reading broadly, and exploring as many self-development opportunities as were available to him.

Bruce Bryan was granted executive clemency by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul December 2022.  He was released from custody April 24, 2023.  He is currently fighting for full exoneration and a declaration of innocence.  Bruce became the first client of the Perlmutter Center.  Attorney Josh Dubin continues to represent him.  The re-review of his case is in progress by the Queens County District Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit.

Since being released, Mr. Bryan has spoken at numerous events, including an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience. Mr. Bryan has attended the French Embassy in support of ending the death penalty and supporting the release of wrongfully convicted death row prisoner, Keith Lamar.  Mr. Bryan is passionate about bringing awareness and empowering others through his message of hope, resilience and a commitment to the never-ending journey of self-improvement.   

Bruce is currently employed as a Senior Client Advocate at the Queens Defenders.  Bruce works with a team of skilled attorneys that handle cases across a broad spectrum, ranging from misdemeanors to major trials and homicides. His work encompasses getting involved with clients and advocating for alternatives to incarceration.  The goal is to engage in decarceration and limit the impact of a criminal record on employment, housing, education, and public benefits.