Prosecutors in Chicago have vacated charges against a man who has served nearly a decade in prison on a drug case.
Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez's office on Thursday said it dismissed charges against 43-year-old Ben Baker of Chicago. The office said it made the decision after former Chicago police Sgt. Ronald Watts was convicted in 2013 of extorting protection payoffs from drug dealers. Watts was given a 22-month prison sentence.
Alvarez says Baker's conviction can no longer stand because Watts "provided key testimony" at Baker's 2005 trial. She said the decision to vacate his case went through her office's Conviction Integrity Unit.
Baker started serving a 14-year term in August 2006. His attorney says Baker could be released from southeastern Illinois prison later Thursday.
