Prosecutor drops robbery charges against man known for avoiding prison due to clerical error
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this May 5, 2014 file photo is Cornealious "Mike" Anderson in Charleston, Mo. Prosecutors said Thursday, Feb. 6, 2015 they have dropped purse-snatching charges against Anderson after an investigation by their office cast doubt on the case. Anderson drew national attention in 2013 when he was imprisoned after prison officials found a mistake that allows him to avoid prison for 13 years for a robbery conviction. He was released after 10 months. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File) (The Associated Press)
St. Louis prosecutors have dropped criminal charges against a man whose story about avoiding prison for 13 years due to a clerical error drew national attention last year.
Cornealious Anderson was arrested for purse-snatching in November. Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce said Thursday that an investigation by her office cast doubt on the case and she dropped charges of second-degree robbery.
Anderson was convicted in 2000 for an armed robbery in St. Charles County and sentenced to 13 years in prison. Because of a clerical error, he was never told when or where to report. He went about his life, starting his own business, coaching youth football.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Prison officials found the mistake in July 2013, and he was imprisoned for 10 months before a judge set him free in May.