In a monumental victory for justice, renowned criminal defense attorney Isaac Wright Jr. has successfully secured the release of Wayne “Akbar” Pray, who was serving a life sentence at Butner Prison. After 36 years behind bars, Pray is finally a free man. His release follows a motion submitted by Wright, which persuaded United States District Court Judge Claire Cecchi to sign the order, granting Pray his long-awaited freedom. Pray’s official release from Butner Prison occurred on Monday, September 30, 2024.
Pray was sentenced to life plus 50 years in prison under the Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) statute, commonly referred to as the “Kingpin” statute. He was convicted of leading a 300-member drug organization known as “The Family,” which operated out of Newark, New Jersey, importing cocaine from Colombia and distributing it nationwide. The CCE statute is particularly severe, denying those convicted under it the possibility of parole.
After facing numerous failed attempts to appeal his sentence, including multiple clemency requests, Pray’s hope for freedom appeared slim. However, his case took a turn when he hired Isaac Wright Jr. Pray’s last motion for release had been sitting idle for over three years before Wright took on the case. Within a year of Wright’s involvement, the legal obstacles that had previously seemed insurmountable were overturned, paving the way for Pray’s release.
Wright’s own journey in the legal system is nothing short of remarkable. In a powerful twist of fate, he first learned about Pray’s conviction while he himself was incarcerated, facing a life sentence for charges that wrongly labeled him a drug kingpin. Sentenced at just 28 years old, Wright eventually proved his innocence after representing himself and spent seven years in prison before being released. He went on to become one of the country’s most sought-after attorneys, focusing on fighting wrongful convictions and systemic injustice. Reflecting on Pray’s case, Wright remarked, “If I didn’t get life in prison for a crime I did not commit, Wayne Pray would have died in prison.”
For Pray, the release marks the end of a long and arduous journey. His faith and perseverance led him to Wright, who ultimately helped him overcome a legal system that seemed determined to keep him behind bars. “It is an honor to see him finally reclaim his freedom after all these years,” Wright said.
This victory is one of many for Wright, who has built a career on taking on seemingly impossible cases. In 2019, Wright gained national attention when he secured an acquittal for Jason Thompson, a client who faced 30 years to life under the Hobbs Act Robbery statute, despite having confessed to the crime on video. Wright successfully argued that Thompson had committed a state crime, not a federal one, leading to Thompson’s release after all state charges had previously been dismissed.
A Fighter for Justice
Isaac Wright Jr.’s commitment to fighting for justice runs deep. His own wrongful conviction and experience with the legal system fuel his tireless efforts to ensure that every person receives a fair trial. His work, including the recent release of Wayne Pray, underscores his mission to correct the injustices that plague the criminal justice system. “If I come into a case, there’s a problem!” Wright stated, emphasizing his dedication to taking on complex, high-stakes cases.
About Isaac Wright Jr.
Isaac Wright Jr. is a criminal defense attorney, advocate, author, and television producer. After proving his own innocence and becoming a licensed attorney, Wright has focused on fighting wrongful convictions and advocating for criminal justice reform. His memoir, Marked for Life, chronicles his journey and serves as an inspiring account of perseverance and justice. Wright also co-produced the television series For Life, based on his own story, with rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent.
Wayne Pray’s Release
Wayne “Akbar” Pray’s was released from Butner Prison on September 30, 2024.
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