Columbus Man Fights for Justice After Wrongful Conviction

By Janell Williams

Paul Austin spent nearly 15 years behind bars after being sentenced to life in prison on drug charges, compounded by an alleged false sodomy charge. Despite his release in 2016, his fight for justice continues.

Austin was sent to Georgia State Prison in Reidsville, one of the state’s most dangerous facilities. Determined to overturn his conviction, he studied legal materials in the prison’s law library, uncovering crucial information for his appeal.

"I barely had a mattress. I was sleeping on raw steel, and they didn’t give me a pillow. They barely fed me. So, I was going through some mental changes, but I wasn’t gonna let that break me," Austin said.

After 14 years and 10 months, the Georgia Innocence Project helped secure his release. However, despite regaining his freedom, he still struggles with the legal weight of his conviction. Seeking solace in writing, Austin has published three books on Amazon aimed at educating young people of color about the justice system and their rights.

The first book, "Message to Black Male Teenz," is a heartfelt appeal to young Black males in America, urging them to embrace self-love and resolve conflicts through non-violent means. Paul emphasizes the importance of early reading habits, and encourages parents to foster a love for reading in their children to expand their minds and opportunities. The second, "Injustice... -N- Georgia...: State of Emergency" Paul delves into systemic issues plaguing the prison-industrial complex in Georgia, highlighting themes of neoslavery, injustice, genocide, racism, and hate. The book serves as a critique of the state's legal and penal systems, aiming to shed light on the oppressive structures that perpetuate inequality and discrimination. The third book is titled "The Raw Truth (Polemic)." Based on a true story, this narrative follows a former drug dealer and hustler who is framed by corrupt police. The protagonist's journey reflects Paul's own experiences, offering a raw and unfiltered look into the challenges faced by individuals ensnared in systemic corruption and injustice.

"I came home in 2016, but it has still been an uphill climb," Austin said.

He also reached out to his brother, renowned producer and songwriter Dallas Austin, for guidance in publishing his books but never received assistance.

"We reconnected at Kim Porter’s funeral service. Some people said I should’ve asked him for money," Austin said. "But I only asked that he point me in the direction of a good publisher. He never did get back to me on anything."

Today, Austin continues to appear in court regularly, struggling to move beyond his past conviction. His story underscores the long-term challenges faced by individuals navigating life after wrongful incarceration.