Man cleared after spending 17 years in prison files lawsuit

KALKASKA (AP) — A 40-year-old man whose murder and rape convictions were overturned after he served 17 years in prison is suing a northern Michigan village, county and officers involved in the case.

Jamie Lee Peterson filed the lawsuit Monday in federal court in Grand Rapids. Peterson is seeking a jury trial, financial compensation and punitive damages.

The suit names local and state police officers, the Village of Kalkaska and Kalkaska County.

Geraldine Montgomery of Kalkaska was sexually assaulted and slain in 1996. The 68-year-old Montgomery had worked as a school teacher’s aide. Peterson’s lawsuit says he confessed to the crimes “in response to extreme psychological pressure and manipulation by investigators.”

Peterson was cleared last year through DNA testing.

The Associated Press left messages Monday seeking comment from village and county officials.