State Supreme Court intervenes in longrunning sex abuse case

BATTLE CREEK (AP) - The Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to look at the case of a Battle Creek-area woman who was convicted of criminal sexual conduct 13 years ago.

Lorinda Swain is serving at least 25 years in prison. Her conviction was set aside by a Calhoun County judge after Swain claimed a former boyfriend who didn't appear at trial would have given favorable testimony.

The state appeals court reversed that decision in February. But now the Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether Swain is entitled to relief. The court is looking at many issues, including whether Swain's innocence claim fits under the state and U.S. constitutions.

Justice Bridget McCormack won't participate. Before joining the Supreme Court, she was Swain's lawyer at the University of Michigan law school's Innocence Clinic.

Published: Mon, Oct 05, 2015