Updated: Friday, May 20, 2025
The Mill is proud to support Innocence Project Delaware (IPD), an organization founded in 2018 that fights to correct and prevent wrongful convictions in Delaware. As the only organization in the state dedicated to this cause, IPD provides crucial pro bono services to those wrongfully incarcerated who cannot afford legal counsel.
One of our esteemed members, Herbert W. Mondros, Vice President of IPD’s Board of Directors and Special Counsel at Rigrodsky Law, P.A., has been instrumental in IPD’s mission.
Herb’s dedication to justice is evident in his pro bono work, which has helped exonerate individuals who collectively served over 68 years in prison for crimes they did not commit.
IPD’s impact has been significant since its inception.
In 2022, they celebrated their first exoneration, helping to free a client who had spent 16 years in prison due to a wrongful conviction. Their work is more crucial than ever, as statistics show that 3,646 people have been exonerated in the United States since 1989, with 153 exonerations in 2023 alone—84% of whom were people of color.
The community showed up for a special concert at Wilmington Brew Works on Thursday, May 15, featuring live musical performances, including Herb’s band, who performed tributes to Bob Dylan’s music with a focus on his song “Hurricane,” which highlights the issue of wrongful convictions. All proceeds directly benefited IPD’s fight for justice. As a community that values innovation and social impact, The Mill encouraged members and friends to attend this event. Our very own Richard Howell attended and captured the powerful voices on stage! It was an amazing lineup of local musicians who generously donated their time and talent to the cause: Trainwreck Boyfriend, Zach Humenik, Jahiti Brownfish, Will Paynter and the Collective, Shortwave, and Out of Order. Their performances brought heart and soul to the evening, setting the tone for a powerful night of purpose.
Throughout the event, the crowd heard moving words from Innocence Project Delaware leaders, including Judy Ritter (Board President), Jessica Auletta (Interim Executive Director), and Jermaine Marlow Wright (Board Member and exoneree, who spent 24 years wrongfully incarcerated). Their stories and reflections reminded us why this work is so important—and why we must keep going.
Sophia Block, Community Engagement Manager of IPD, said it was an “honor to welcome guest speaker State Senator Kyra Hoffner, who spoke about her ongoing efforts in the legislature, where she is currently sponsoring two post-conviction reform bills. Her advocacy is helping to build a legal system that better reflects fairness and accountability.”
With community support, they raised funds that will directly support IPD’s efforts to:
Advocate for their clients by researching and investigating claims of innocence, while providing legal representation in cases of actual innocence
Educate the public about wrongful convictions, relevant policies, laws, and current events
Train and mentor students in law and criminal justice through hands-on experience
Reform the system that contributes to wrongful convictions
Every donation and every voice helps move us closer to a justice system rooted in truth, fairness, and human dignity. Thank you to all who supported IPD. If you missed the event, please consider making a donation.
