Man freed-Missouri delayed imprisonment case

[gvstn]

A Missouri judge ordered the state on Monday to set free a man who was convicted of robbery in 2000 but never sent to prison until a clerical mistake was discovered last year.

Cornealious 'Mike' Anderson was 23 when he was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in the robbery of a fast-food restaurant's assistant manager. He told The Associated Press last month that he waited, and even asked about going to prison, but the order never came.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2620709/Man-freed-Missouri-delayed-imprisonment-case.html

I think this is a good result for both Mr. Anderson and the taxpayers of Missouri.

[The Magistrate]

1. Three Cheers For The Judge, Sir

[greatlaurel]

2. That is really good news for Mr. Anderson.

It was so wrong to imprison him after so many years. If he had been a wealthy, white boy he would never have been sentenced to prison in the first place. Now his crime had a terrible impact on the victim's life, but even the victim felt that sending Mr. Anderson to prison served no purpose after all these years, especially since he had never got into trouble again. More attention needs to be given to helping crime victims recover, rather than spending so much on prisons.

Thanks for posting the story. I appreciate the information.

[gvstn]

8. I worked with a guy in a similar situation.

He had been a drug "mule" transporting relatively large amount of cocaine between the two coasts. He would make $10,000 for a weekend trip. He got arrested by the Feds and made some sort of deal as a cooperating witness. He was supposed to serve some time in prison but the letter never came telling him to report. 7 years later after he had been gainfully employed (for the first time in his life), married and just had a child they realized their mistake and sent him to prison. I think he had to do something like 15mos. I don't know if that was his original sentence or lesser because of the mistake.

I always thought it was a bit counter-productive to disrupt his new law abiding life to make him do the time. 15 mos. is just enough to possibly disrupt his marriage and employment. I think he made out OK but he quit a few months after getting out of prison so I never really kept up with him.

I think the judge in the Missouri case did a good and reasonable thing here. I'm sure Mr. Anderson will keep his nose clean because he knows he was given a gift.

[1000words]

3. Time served. Justice done.

[whistler162]

6. Yup.

[Gothmog]

4. This was a good outcome

[dionysus]

5. great news. glad he drew a good judge.

[Orrex]

7. Fantastic! Justice is served!

It's rare to hear such a great story of rehabilitation and a life turned around for the better.
Terrific news for Mr. Anderson!

[malaise]

9. There is hope

Excellent

[Demo_Chris]

10. It's disgusting how these stories gloss over the original crime....

It's nice that he did not continue his career as a violent criminal, but the victim of this guy's crime did not receive justice. This guy, apparently a hero to many for getting away with it, made no effort to undo what he had done or to compensate the victim. I am not sure what we are celebrating here, but it isn't justice.

[pintobean]

12. The victim favored his release.

When Anderson was convicted, he was 23, and his only other arrest was for smoking pot, Megaro said. The Burger King worker who was held up by Anderson and another man had favored Anderson’s release.

And I agree with the judge:

"I believe that continuing to incarcerate you serves no purpose," Brown said as he handed down his ruling. "It would be a waste of taxpayer dollars. You obviously are a rehabilitated man."

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/webster-groves-man-jailed-for-robbery-years-after-his-conviction/article_441ea598-dcdc-549b-9381-959c97b0b301.html

[DesertDiamond]

13. He didn't actually harm anyone physically. he robbed someone.

[Gravitycollapse]

14. So nothing is justice unless someone goes to prison? Utterly ridiculous.

You are essentially a mouthpiece for the prison industrial complex. Congratulations.

[etherealtruth]

15. If the goal is revenge ... then you are correct (I guess)

All involved appear to think this is a right and just outcome ... I agree with them.

There would be no benefit to society, the victim or anyone else if this man remained in prison.

[Logical]

17. You are you making comments about something you know nothing about? Read more!!!!! nt

[blackspade]

11. Finally a bit of good news about the justice system.

Very reasonable decision.

[GliderGuider]

16. Gotta love it when compassion collides with common sense! nt