BURLINGTON, MI (WTVB) – A Burlington woman who was finally exonerated of sex charges after exhaustive appeals has reached a settlement with Calhoun County for $1.9-million dollars.
The courts found that county detectives illegally withheld evidence that could have resulted in Lorinda Swain’s acquittal at her original trial. She spent eight years in prison and seven years out on bond fighting appeals. Many of the appeals were filed even after her adopted son recanted his claims that he had been abused as a child.
Attorney Anne Buckleitner says $1.9 million is less than a jury might have awarded her.
The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners will still have to approve the settlement agreement at their next meeting.
