Maurice Pierce's read this statement to the press on Thursday, Jan. 30. He was accompanied by his lawyers, wife, daughter and other family.
Good afternoon,
I would like to thank all you from the media who have come here today. I appreciate the opportunity to briefly comment on my incarceration and my future. However, at this time I would like to briefly thank a few people.
First, I'd like to thank my wife and daughter, my mother and father, my sisters and all the rest of my family for their prayers, love and continued support that they unselfishly gave to me.
I'd like to thank my lawyers who spent a great deal of time working tirelessly on my defense and advising my family and I.
Finally, and most importantly, I would like to thank God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who I know in my heart is why I am standing here today. In the Bible, it says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and he strengthened my family and I throughout this very difficult time. It is Him who allowed me to endure this to the end.
As for my incarceration, it has been a very difficult and painful period of time. For three-and-a-half years I was separated from wife and daughter, my family, and my friends and those years I will never be able to regain. When I was detained and arrested I proclaimed my innocence of all the charges that [were] filed against me and I am standing here today with that same proclamation. I am innocent of any and all charges pertaining to the yogurt shop case.
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Press conference
Watch the complete press conference with Maurice Pierce.
 
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It is time for me to move on with my life. My life will never be the same because of the allegations that were made about me; however, I will try to continue to pursue the many aspirations that I had prior to this case. My wife, daughter and I will now try once again to grow together as a family. Many of you are wondering whether I will attempt to sue the district attorney's office or the city of Austin for my incarceration. My only reply to those questions is, as I have said before, "I will now attempt to move on with my life." I would hope that our city, and our community as a whole, would try to move on as well.
I once again appreciation your time and patience in allowing me to have this forum to make a statement. I would appreciate it greatly if you would not try to contact me or any member of my family to ask additional questions about this case or my future. I am sure you understand that this has been a very emotional time for my family and I, and we would like the opportunity to move on with our lives. I thank you very much and God speed to you all.
MP
