In Elkhart County, Indiana, a family has been torn apart by a wrongful conviction. Zachary Pontius, a devoted husband and father of four, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for a crime he did not commit — after a case built without a real investigation.

There was no thorough investigation by DCS, law enforcement, or the prosecutor’s office. Crucial evidence was overlooked. Witnesses and material that could have cleared Zachary were ignored. Procedures meant to protect the innocent were abandoned.

Despite these failures, Zachary was convicted and  begin serving his sentence in November 2024, leaving his family devastated. He has missed birthdays, milestones, and everyday moments with his children — moments he should never have been forced to lose.

Wrongful convictions are not rare. They destroy families, undermine trust in the justice system, and leave innocent people behind bars. Zachary’s case is part of a larger pattern of investigative neglect and procedural failure that must be addressed.

We are calling on the Elkhart County judicial system to reopen Zachary’s case and conduct a full, fair, and comprehensive review of all evidence, witness testimony, and prosecutorial actions. This is not only about freeing an innocent man — it is about restoring faith in justice.

Your signature can help bring Zachary home to his wife and children. Please stand with this family and demand the truth be heard.

Sign and share this petition. Help bring Zachary Pontius home.