Published: September 27, 2025
Author: Staff Writer
Charles Frierson: Fighting a Life Sentence for a Crime He Could Not Have Committed
Charles Edward Frierson was convicted in Oklahoma County District Court, Case No. CF-2015-2124, on multiple drug-related charges, including trafficking in illegal drugs, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of drug proceeds, and possession of a firearm after former conviction of a felony. These convictions resulted in a life sentence, despite the absence of physical evidence—which was destroyed—and despite extensive documentation establishing that he was not in Oklahoma at the time the investigation was being conducted and when the offenses allegedly occurred. Mr. Frierson maintains actual innocence, and the factual record strongly supports his claim.
From September 28, 2014 through October 14, 2014—the exact period during which Oklahoma authorities allege criminal activity occurred—Charles was in California. He had traveled there to handle a routine traffic citation, appearing in person at both the California Department of Motor Vehicles and a California courtroom. On October 4, the California court ordered his driver’s license physically surrendered for ten days, making it legally impossible for him to drive or return to Oklahoma. During that time, he experienced a medical emergency and was briefly hospitalized. On October 14, Charles returned to Oklahoma, and he was arrested that same day.
Despite this verified alibi, the State pursued a constructive possession theory, arguing that Charles exercised control over property where drugs were later recovered. Constructive possession requires proof of knowledge, intent, the ability to exercise control, and actions linking the accused to contraband. None of these elements existed for Charles. Officers testified that there were no fingerprints, no DNA, no phone records, no surveillance footage, no eyewitnesses, and no evidence he was ever in the house—though they later claimed they saw him once standing on the porch talking to someone inside (all while Charles was in California handling his affairs).
The circumstantial evidence that supposedly tied Charles to the crimes was destroyed two years before trial, leaving the defense with no way to challenge the alleged evidence. The co-defendant, who was physically present at the premises, admitted guilt and pled guilty to all charges. Yet Charles—hundreds of miles away—received a life sentence.
Charles’s claim of actual innocence is supported by objective, documented evidence showing that he was physically, legally, and medically incapable of participating in the alleged crimes. Courts nationwide have overturned convictions where prosecutors stretch constructive possession beyond reasonable limits, and Charles’s case fits squarely within this precedent.
Adding to the injustice, Oklahoma has since reformed its drug laws. The charges for which Charles received a life sentence now carry a sentencing range of four to ten years. The punishment imposed in his case was extreme, disproportionate, and legally inconsistent with today’s standards.
“Charles Frierson’s case is the definition of wrongful conviction,” said an advocate from Injustice Spotlight. “A man who was never present, never involved, and never had access to the alleged property was sentenced to life in prison. Justice requires that his innocence be recognized and that the state review this case thoroughly.”
Charles’s family is distraught over his incarceration and is urging the public to support him by signing his Change.org petition. They are asking Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Pardon & Parole Board to review his case fully, consider the verified California timeline, the co-defendant’s admissions, the lack of physical evidence, the destruction of evidence before trial, and the misuse of constructive possession. They are also asking that updated sentencing guidelines be applied and that Charles receive commutation or immediate release.
Those who believe in justice are encouraged to read and sign the petition demanding a full review of Charles Frierson’s case at: https://www.change.org/p/demand-justice-for-charles-frierson.
The wrongful conviction of Charles Edward Frierson represents a profound breakdown in the justice system. A man who was not present, not involved, and not connected to the alleged crimes has lost years of his life to a conviction built on assumption rather than evidence. His family, supporters, and legal advocates continue to fight for the recognition of his innocence and the restoration of his freedom.