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Wrongfully Imprisoned Man Files Lawsuit Against City

by Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Anthony Wright spent 25 years behind bars for a crime he didn't commit.

Lawyers for Wright filed a lawsuit this week, alleging misconduct by led to his wrongful conviction.

The 38-page complaint seeks damages for malicious prosecution and several constitutional violations, among other claims.

It names as defendant the city of Philadelphia and the group of Philadelphia police officers allegedly responsible for Anthony Wright's wrongful conviction.

"I let my lawyers take care of that," says Wright, who declined to answer questions about the lawsuit. "All I am focusing on is family and being a free man."

In the 29 days since Wright was set free, he celebrated his 45th birthday, reunited with family, and got on an airplane to enjoy the Florida sunshine.

He's eaten wonderful meals, had surprises, and rode around town in a pink Barbie toy car with his niece.

"I really enjoyed it," he says, "people kept stopping us and taking pictures-- it was just a lot of fun."

While Wright is making lots of new memories with his family, he hasn't forgotten that he will never get back the 25 years he missed seeing his son, now 29, grow up, or the chance to say goodbye to his mother as she lay on her death-bed.

"I would give anything to be able to have a conversation with my mother," says Wright, "but I won't be able to do that-- they can't give me nothing to replace that."

DNA evidence tied another man to the rape and murder of an elderly neighbor. The lawsuit alleges the officers falsified evidence and testimony, and coerced confessions from Wright and witnesses to illegally get a conviction.

The city is reviewing the lawsuit and has not further comment at this time.

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