Mark D. Kelly Successfully Defends Client Wrongfully Accused of Aggravated Robbery

The Law Office of Mark D. Kelly recently played a critical role in uncovering evidence that led to the dismissal of criminal charges against Kylese Perryman, a young man wrongfully accused of an aggravated robbery at the Mall of America. This case highlights the importance of a dedicated criminal defense attorney who is willing to dig deeper and challenge the evidence presented.

The Accusation and Arrest

On September 4, 2021, a robbery involving two armed suspects took place in a Mall of America parking ramp. Surveillance footage from a Walmart store in Brooklyn Center, where the suspects used stolen credit cards, became a key piece of evidence. A low-resolution booking photo led law enforcement to believe that Kylese Perryman was one of the suspects. Despite maintaining his innocence, Perryman was arrested and charged with felony aggravated robbery, spending five days in jail.

Building the Defense

Mark D. Kelly, Perryman’s defense attorney, immediately got to work gathering evidence to exonerate his client. Through his thorough investigation, Kelly uncovered several crucial facts:

  • Alibi Evidence: Perryman was clocked in at work the night before the robbery and was with family at a birthday party at the time the crimes were committed.
  • Cell Phone Data: Verizon records confirmed that Perryman’s phone was miles away from the crime scene during the robbery.
  • Physical Discrepancies: Surveillance video showed the suspect had no tattoos on his right forearm, while Perryman has two tattoos on his right forearm, a fact already documented by law enforcement.

The Outcome

Despite the initial identification by analysts, there was no physical evidence, eyewitness testimony, or corroborating data linking Perryman to the crime. Mark D. Kelly presented the “smoking gun” evidence to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, leading to the dismissal of all charges against Perryman.

In a statement to FOX 9, Kelly emphasized the oversight in the investigation: “If they would have just looked at the surveillance video for any length of time and compared it with his booking info, they would have realized that this is the wrong guy.”

A Larger Issue

This case also sheds light on systemic issues within the criminal justice system. Perryman believes that racial bias played a role in the misidentification, a sentiment echoed by many who have experienced similar situations. “They can look at that picture and say, ‘Well, he’s Black and he’s Black and they both have long hair, so that’s him,’” Perryman told FOX 9.

Moving Forward

Perryman now faces the challenge of rebuilding his life and clearing his record, with a hearing to expunge the charges scheduled for next year. Meanwhile, Mark D. Kelly remains committed to ensuring justice for his clients and holding law enforcement accountable for rushed investigations.

This case underscores the value of experienced legal representation in defending against wrongful accusations. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, contact the Law Office of Mark D. Kelly for a consultation. As this case demonstrates, the right defense can make all the difference.