Raleigh, N.C. — A Sanford man who spent more than five years in prison for a crime he didn't commit received a pardon Friday that clears his name.

Steve Snipes was wrongfully convicted of robbing a convenience store in Sanford in 1998. He was released from prison in 2003 after another man was charged in the case.

Snipes was convicted even though the robber wore a mask. Two clerks said the robber's voice sounded like him.

He traveled from Sanford to Raleigh Friday with his wife and son to pick up his pardon of innocence from state officials. His son was an infant when he was sent to prison, but Snipes said the family has reconnected and he now has a steady job.

"This simple piece of paper has started my life with a better job, a better future and everything," Snipes said. "Now, my record can be cleared. My name is cleared. I want the world to see Steve Snipes holding a pardon of innocence for something he did not do."