Man freed after 19 years in prison sues Peoria, policemen

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - A man who spent nearly 20 years in an Illinois prison for the 1994 rape of a 16-year-old girl and a home invasion before the charges were dropped has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Peoria and four police officers.

Christopher Coleman alleges in the lawsuit filed Wednesday that the police officers conspired to convict him in total disregard to the truth.

The state Supreme Court last year ordered a new trial for Coleman, pointing out that no forensic evidence linked Coleman to the attack.

State's Attorney Jerry Brady later dropped armed robbery and aggravated criminal sexual assault charges against the now 41-year-old Coleman. He noted problems with the evidence, the death of an eyewitness as well as others recanting their testimony.

Peoria officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.