In an incredible turn of events, Wayne “Akbar” Pray has been granted his freedom after spending 36 years in Butner Prison, thanks to the determined efforts of renowned attorney Isaac Wright Jr. On September 30, 2024, Pray was released after U.S. District Court Judge Claire Cecchi signed the order, finally overturning his life sentence that had been imposed under the Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) statute.
Pray, once labeled a drug kingpin and convicted of leading a 300-member organization known as “The Family,” had his original sentence of life plus 50 years commuted. Operating out of Newark, NJ, Pray’s group was accused of trafficking drugs across the U.S. during the 1970s and ’80s. For decades, Pray’s appeals and clemency petitions were denied, with one of his last motions for compassionate release stalled for more than three years. However, once Wright Jr. took on the case, progress moved swiftly, resulting in Pray’s release.
Wright Jr. first learned of Pray’s case during his own time behind bars. Wright had been wrongfully convicted of being a drug kingpin, receiving a life sentence at the age of 28. Like Pray, he was sentenced under the same CCE statute. After seven years, Wright proved his innocence and later became one of the country’s most renowned defense attorneys, specializing in overturning wrongful convictions. Reflecting on Pray’s release, Wright said, “If I hadn’t been wrongfully convicted myself, Wayne would likely never have seen freedom.”
A Powerful Story of Redemption and Advocacy
Wayne Pray’s release marks the end of an agonizing, decades-long struggle for justice. During his incarceration, Pray founded The Akbar Pray Foundation For Change (APFFC), aimed at supporting formerly incarcerated men and underserved youth. Now, Pray is preparing to take his story to a wider audience. He is set to join the “I Am You” tour this fall, alongside Wright Jr., as a featured speaker. The tour, which focuses on criminal justice reform, social justice, and the power of redemption, offers Pray a platform to share his journey and inspire others.
“Thirty-six years ago, I was on the wrong side of history,” Pray said. “I thought I had the game figured out, but I was part of the problem. Today, I return to Newark to be part of the solution.”
Pray’s release comes amid increasing calls for criminal justice reform, particularly for non-violent offenders. His story, and Wright’s tenacity, are powerful examples of the possibility for redemption and the fight for a fairer system.
Isaac Wright Jr.’s Continued Fight for Justice
Isaac Wright Jr. is no stranger to overturning the odds. He has built a career on fighting for justice, especially for those wrongfully convicted or unjustly sentenced. Wright gained national attention in 2019 when he successfully defended Jason Thompson, who faced 30 years to life under the Hobbs Act Robbery statute. Wright’s advocacy, driven by his own experience with wrongful conviction, has helped reshape how the legal system views complex, long-standing cases.
“Wayne Pray’s perseverance and faith led him to find me,” Wright said. “I’m honored to see him finally reclaim his freedom after all these years.”
Wright, a criminal defense attorney, author, and television producer, has become a national symbol of resilience and justice. His memoir Marked for Life tells the story of his wrongful imprisonment, and his legal work continues to inspire. He also co-produced the hit television series For Life, alongside rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent, which is based on his incredible life story.
As Pray begins this new chapter, his story serves as a powerful testament to perseverance and the transformative power of redemption.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information about the “I Am You Tour” or Wayne Pray’sfoundation, please contact:
PICS PR FIRM
Picsprfirm.com
Ann Barlow, Publicist
picprfirm@gmail.com
(702) 499-4120
