I am retired after working in a maximum security prison for 33 years. I can assure you that the criminal justice system has serious flaws at all levels.
Based on my experience I find that your story is absolutely credible. I believe every word. I'm sorry that you got caught in the machine.
The Sargent in your case saw an opportunity to appear as a hero. The media found you guilty and the police were able to appear as if they were protecting the public. The sargent was not concerned with whether you were guilty of anything. If he could make you appear guilty to a jury he would be credited with "solving a crime," a crime that he, himself fabricated. I suspect that he knew you were not guilty of anything, but didn't care. He only cared about building a reputation, and maybe getting a promotion.
The fact that you were allowed to plea to a lesser charge suggests that the district attorney was not entirely confident that he would obtain a conviction.
Are you familiar with The Innocence Project?
