A Peekskill man who was exonerated of murder by DNA is suing the people he feels helped wrongfully imprison him for a classmate's death.

Jeffrey Deskovic spoke before a group at the Ethical Culture Society in White Plains Sunday. He was released from prison a year ago this weekend. He spoke exclusively to News 12 about his federal suit.

Deskovic was 17 years old when he was found guilty of the rape and murder of Angela Correa in 1989. He spent 16 years behind bars before he was released. Steven Cunningham is now serving time for the crime.

Deskovic said he's suffered financial and emotional problems as a result of his imprisonment. He's suing the medical examiner, city and then-Lieutenant Eugene Tumolo; Tumolo is currently the chief of the Peekskill Police Department. Deskovic is suing for an unspecified amount of money.

Chief Tumolo's attorney counters that his client is the person who pushed for the DNA test that eventually led to Deskovic's release, saying the DA's office is to blame.

Deskovic said his attorneys have told him the lawsuit could take up to seven years to play out.

The Peekskill mayor and the district attorney's office could not be reached for comment on the story.