Bernard Young grateful for release after 27 years of imprisonment; Worthy plans to appeal

DETROIT – Bernard Young was sentenced to prison on child sex charges in 1989 but has been released after one of his accusers took back his testimony by saying the wrong man was convicted.

Young has been granted a new trial, and his family was able to bring him home after paying a $5,000 bond.

Young said despite the lengthy sentence, he forgives the prosecutor and the children who falsely accused him.

Life outside of prison, however, is very much welcomed to Young and his family.
"I woke up when, and I woke up, I was looking around like ‘OK’ -- it's a miracle you know, but I know that I've been blessed to be at home with my family now," Young said.

The 58-year-old father of five is spending his time with his children, six grandchildren, and family including his sister, who has been advocating for his release since day one.

"She's amazing. She stuck with me and she told me, she said ‘Baby, I know you're actually innocent,” Young said.  “She said 'Whenever you go, I'm with you from start to finish,' and I always believed in it because I believe in God and put all my trust in her."

Prosecutor Kim Worthy is planning to appeal Young’s release despite the fact that both of the boys who originally pointed the finger at Young have recanted their story.


 


About the Authors:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional.