$3.1 million settlement reached for man falsely imprisoned for rape

Mayor Annise Parker apologizes to George Rodriguez

HOUSTON – A Houston man who successfully sued the city after he spent 17 years in prison for kidnapping and rape he didn't commit will is getting a $3.1 million settlement.

George Rodriguez was freed from prison in 2004 after an appeals court ruled he was convicted on faulty scientific evidence.

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In a news conference on Friday, Houston city leaders, including Mayor Annise Parker offered an apology to Rodriguez.

"Mr. Rodriguez, on behalf of the city of Houston, I want to apologize to you for all that you had to endure," said Parker.

Attorneys for Rodriguez proved there were several problems at HPD's long-troubled crime lab.

Rodriguez said he accepts the mayor's apology and just wants to get on with his life.