After nearly five decades, Leonard Mack, a man wrongfully convicted of rape in Greenburgh, has been exonerated.

Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah made a rare appearance in the courtroom and extended an apology to Mack for the injustice that had profoundly impacted his life.

Mack, a 72-year-old Vietnam veteran, struggled to contain his emotions during the proceedings at the Westchester County Courthouse. In 1975, he was convicted of rape in Greenburgh and served 7 1/2 years in prison. Throughout the years, Mack steadfastly maintained his innocence and tirelessly advocated for his exoneration.

During his statement, Mack described the immense hardship and stigma he endured due to the wrongful conviction. He credited his faith and family for supporting him in his long fight for justice.

Mack's exoneration was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Innocence Project, the Conviction Review Unit at the District Attorney's office, and new DNA evidence that identified a convicted sex offender as the actual perpetrator. The perpetrator, whose identity was not disclosed, has confessed to the rape. However, he will not face trial due to the statute of limitations on the 1975 case but is currently in custody for failing to register as a sex offender.

Mack, who also celebrated his birthday on this momentous day, now resides in South Carolina with his wife and aspires to become a pastor for prisoners.