My husband’s name is Ronnie Lee Allen. He is 51 years old and has spent the last 16 years in prison. He is currently serving two life sentences for two counts of aggravated robbery.
Two life sentences.
One alleged crime. Two victims. No eyewitnesses. No fingerprints. No identification from the video footage. The only thing presented as a potential link to Ronnie was a handkerchief with his DNA on it—evidence we believe was not properly authenticated—and yet he received TWO LIFE SENTENCES.
No one died. Nothing was stolen. The victims could not identify him. And still—two life sentences.
As a wife, I’ve asked myself the same questions over and over:
Why was he convicted based on evidence that was never properly tied to the crime?
Why is he serving two life sentences for robbery when people who have committed murder have been released in a matter of years?
I wish I could tell you this is rare. But what I’ve learned—painfully—is that the system can fail people at every level.
How the system failed him:
Ronnie’s case is filled with moments where the process did not protect him the way it should have:
- He was failed by court-appointed attorneys who did not fully pursue the defense the way it needed to be pursued—including not following through on key requests and not properly challenging the evidence.
- He was failed at trial when due process was not honored the way it should be, especially where critical evidence needed to be properly supported and identified.
- He was failed in sentencing by the crushing weight of two life sentences for one incident.
- He was failed on direct appeal when the opinion upholding his conviction relied on reasons that were not supported by the testimony and record as we have reviewed it.
- He has been failed in post-conviction proceedings because the issues are repeatedly blocked by procedural barriers instead of being fully heard.
And he is being failed right now because—sixteen years later—he is still sitting in prison, fighting for his life when he should be home.
Why he isn’t home yet:
The answer is hard to say out loud, but it’s the truth...
We don’t have the one thing required to navigate a broken system with success: money.
It takes significant funding to hire experienced legal representation—someone who can do the deep record work, file the right pleadings, and fight through procedural obstacles. The system is not designed for pro se litigation. My husband has been fighting largely on his own in an arena built for him to fail.
The courts tend to listen differently when an experienced attorney is advocating clearly and persistently. And right now, we do not have $100,000 to retain the kind of lawyer this fight requires.
Our goal: $100,000 for attorney representation
We are raising $100,000 because the cost of meaningful post-conviction representation can be that high or more. We are seeking an attorney who is not just willing to glance at the case—but willing to do what it takes, legally and ethically, to pursue every legitimate avenue to bring Ronnie home.
Funds will go primarily to:
- Attorney retainer and legal fees (main purpose)
- Records and transcripts (including certified copies when required)
- Filing fees and court costs
- Copying, postage, service of documents
- Necessary litigation support expenses
We will provide updates as we reach milestones and as funds are used, while protecting legal strategy.
As his wife, this is what I’ve been carrying:
I am Ronnie’s wife—and truly his best friend. I am doing the best I can to hold our family together while fighting for him.
- I support him emotionally (I’m his biggest fan).
- I support him lovingly (he calls me his “soft place to land”).
- I support him financially because he cannot earn money while incarcerated—making sure he has commissary funds and money to call our family.
- I support him physically by visiting him every weekend, along with our daughter, so we can spend that time together as a family.
I’m doing the best I can. But more needs to be done.
A faith-forward request...
I believe God is still a God of justice. I believe truth still matters. I believe prayer changes things—but I also know faith requires action.
That is why I am asking for help.
If you can donate, please donate. If you can’t, please share. And if you pray, please pray for:
- the right attorney to take this case,
- wisdom and favor in the courts, and
- strength for our family as we keep fighting.
We are not done fighting.
Money or not, we will keep going. But with your help, we can finally secure the legal representation Ronnie needs to have a real chance to come home.
From the bottom of my heart—thank you for standing with us.
With gratitude,
Michelle Ponce
