Chapter 5
The legal process moved fast.
Frank was charged with robbery, perjury, bribery, witness tampering, assault on a minor, and conspiracy.
He tried to make bail. The judge denied it.
Former Sheriff Henderson was also arrested. Charged with corruption and civil rights violations.
He made a deal. Testified against Frank. Pleaded guilty. Got five years.
And then there was the matter of the assault.
Me beating Frank on the porch.
The district attorney called me into his office.
"Technically," he said, "you used excessive force. You could be charged."
He paused.
"But I'm not going to charge you. You were defending a minor. Your brother. Who was being assaulted at the time. Any jury in this state would acquit you. And frankly... Frank deserves everything he got."
He leaned forward.
"Your record is going to be cleared, Cole. All charges from the original conviction expunged. And the state will owe you compensation for the wrongful conviction. It won't give you back eight years. But it will help you start over."
I nodded.
"Thank you," I said.
It didn't feel real.
May you like
After eight years of being told I was a criminal...
I was finally free.
