As the weeks and months passed by, Anderson never attempted to hide: he registered a business, Anderson Construction and Investment, to his home address and married his wife, LaQonna Anderson. He coached his son’s football team and volunteered at his local church.

He even filed a post-conviction appeal that clearly stated ‘Movant is not presently incarcerated.’ His co-accused, Laron Harris, was convicted and sentenced to 10 years. In filings, Anderson’s address is clearly stated as Webster Groves, whereas the listing for Harris is the Missouri Department of Corrections.

No one commented on this discrepancy and Anderson remained free for seven years after his final appeal failed in 2005.

Tim Lohmar, the current prosecutor for St. Charles County, where the armed robbery occurred, is baffled at the error.