By Robert Frederick, KWMU

St. Louis, MO – After nearly 24 years in prison, the man exonerated by DNA evidence this week spoke to reporters today Thursday.

Johnny Briscoe always contended he was innocent of the rape charges against him.

After spending Wednesday in seclusion with his family, he said in his first press conference since being released that he's just glad to be back with them. His mother and sister were at his side.

"Well I'm going to move on, and I don't have any hard feelings against the St. Louis county prosecuting office," said Briscoe. But his sister quickly retorted with "I do.

"That's my brother and I love him, and to me they treated him like a second class citizen."

Under Missouri law, Briscoe may get up to $36,000 for each year he was in prison. But Briscoe said no amount of money could compensate him for his lost time.

Asked whether they would pursue compensation, the family said right now they're just taking one day at a time.

Send questions and comments about this story to feedback@stlpublicradio.org.