Exonerated Elkhart County man sues after serving 27 years in prison for 1998 murder

A man exonerated of a 1998 murder is now filing a lawsuit against those involved in putting him behind bars.

Reggie Dillard served 27 years in prison after being wrongfully accused of the killing of Christopher Thomas. Dillard was exonerated and released in February of this year.

Dillard and his family spoke out about the lawsuit filed in his wrongful conviction.

Dillard said he lost his mother a year ago, on October 15th, just months before he walked out of prison.

“I don’t think it’s what I’m looking for because I can’t get what I don’t have; it’s gone,” said Reggie Dillard, Exonerated of a 1998 murder.

Dillard is filing a lawsuit against multiple people involved in his wrongful conviction. Including the city of Elkhart, Elkhart police officers, and county prosecutors.

The lawsuit says, “Instead of following the credible evidence implicating other individuals, defendants entered into a conspiracy to frame Plaintiff (Dillard)…for a crime they did not commit.”

“Hopefully we get a verdict so big that Prosecutors and police officers in Elkhart will think twice the next time they decide to frame an innocent person or violate their constitutional rights,” said Elliot Slosar, Dillard’s Attorney.

Court documents also say Dillard maintained his innocence and quote “lost decades of his life due to the defendants’ egregious misconduct.”

“What kind of justice do I deserve? It’s not about money. No number. No number can give me the justice that I’m asking for. The justice that I want is for Elkhart corrupt officers and prosecutors and attorneys to get out of Elkhart,” Dillard said.

Including the estate of Steve Rezutko, a former Elkhart detective who admittedly engaged in sexual acts with criminal informants.

Eight Elkhart Police Department cases have been exonerated with half of them involving the former detective.

The city responding to the lawsuit and acknowledged they have not yet been served, however they stated, “As of October 15, the City of Elkhart has not been served with or otherwise received a lawsuit involving Reginald Dillard. While the City has received notice of an intent to file suit, no suite has been received. Accordingly, the City is unable to comment on the specific allegations or details of any potential litigation at this time.

We would like to reinforce that the Elkhart Police Department has made meaningful reforms to prevent past shortcomings from being repeated. Stronger promotion standards and other policies are designed to ensure officers who do not meet our expectations for integrity and professionalism do not advance within the department. The department is also pursuing CALEA accreditation, a nationally recognized standard that strengthens policies, accountability, and professional practices.

While the City has no authority to reopen or decide past criminal cases, we will continue to rely on and support the judicial process as it makes its way through these cases. The conduct associated with Steve Rezutko was unacceptable and would not be tolerated in today’s EPD.”

“Somebody somewhere along the line dropped the ball and left him hanging. And they thought that was justice. No. It’s not,” said Laverne Buck, Dillard’s Aunt.

Dillard says he is focusing on rebuilding his life and family relationships.

“The hurt and pain that young girls feel to not have a father. To listen to a voice that you never see. And for somebody to finally come back into your life. After being falsely incarcerated, you have to rebuild those pieces together, and it’s hard. So, you tell me, is that justice,” questioned Carrane Dillard, Dillard’s daughter.

The lawsuit is currently in the early stages, and those involved are just beginning to be served.

Dillard’s lawsuit is for compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney fees. He is seeking a jury trial.

WSBT 22 also reached out to the current Elkhart Prosecutor’s Office about the ongoing lawsuit. Vicki Becker, the current Elkhart County prosecutor, is not named in this suit.

WSBT asked: “Is anyone named in the lawsuit still actively working for the prosecutor’s office or judicial system? If so, who? What are the next steps?”

“The lawsuit wants those involved in his wrongful conviction to be held accountable and wants to see change in Elkhart’s justice system. What is the prosecutor’s office doing to ensure that wrongful convictions do not continue?”

“Is the prosecutor’s office looking into the number of convictions overturned in Elkhart’s justice system?”

Becker’s office responded, saying, “I have not observed a copy of the Complaint, so I am unable to answer your first question. The second and third questions will specifically not be answered for several reasons. However, I would note that my Office does not seek wrongful convictions and that there are multiple checks and balances in the adversarial criminal justice system that are already in place to prevent them.”