Appeals court to hear case of inmate released 90 years early

Colorado’s appeals court will hear the case of a convict who was sent back to prison after being mistakenly released 90 years early and creating a new life.

An attorney for 35-year-old Rene Lima-Marin said Monday that the appeals court will hear arguments in August. Lima-Marin says it was cruel and unusual punishment to put him back behind bars after he started a family and got a steady job after his accidental release.

Lima-Marin and another man were convicted in 2000 of robbing two Aurora video stores at gunpoint. A judge issued them back-to-back sentences for a total of 98 years in prison.

But a court clerk mistakenly wrote in Lima-Marin’s file that the sentences were to run at the same time. Lima-Marin was released on parole in 2008.