In an unusual twist, Cornealious Anderson from Missouri, who received a 13-year sentence for armed robbery, never went to prison immediately after his conviction. His story is reminiscent of a movie plot like “Shawshank Redemption.”
In 1999, Anderson was convicted of robbing a Burger King manager during a bank deposit. After his conviction, he posted bail and appealed the sentence. Despite his appeal being denied, a clerical error allowed him to remain free instead of being taken into custody.
Despite being sentenced to 13 years in prison, Anderson remained a free man due to an oversight that prevented his incarceration. He resumed his life, engaging in community activities, establishing a business, and starting a family. He didn’t hide his identity and lived respectably as a youth football coach.
Unbeknownst to him, his lawyer and others involved believed he was imprisoned. However, the truth came to light when the Missouri Department of Corrections realized the mistake. After living freely for the duration of his intended sentence, Anderson’s life took a dramatic turn when a SWAT team arrived to enforce his arrest in 2013.
Anderson shared with Jessica Lussenhop on NPR’s This American Life the shocking experience of being awakened at 6 a.m. by insistent and forceful knocking. Hesitant and only in his boxers, he asked who was there, only to be ordered by marshals to open the door or have it broken down. When he complied, he was met by what appeared to be a small military unit in tactical gear, with the area secured.
Despite his protests of mistaken identity, he was told he was indeed the person they were looking for. After being detained, Anderson spent nine months in prison before being released. Judge Terry Lynn Brown recognized his positive transformation over the 13 years he should have been incarcerated, declaring him a reformed man.