Wrongfully Convicted New York Man Wins $6.5M Settlement

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- A New York man who wrongfully served 16 years in prison has won a $6.5 million settlement.

Jeffrey Deskovic was released from prison in 2006 after DNA linked the 1989 murder of a Peekskill High School classmate to another man.

He was exonerated at age 33.

Deskovic filed a lawsuit in 2007 accusing the police and medical examiner of fabricating evidence that led to his conviction.

The 37-year-old Deskovic will receive $4 million this year and $2.5 million in 2012. His mother, who was a plaintiff in the suit, will receive $250,000.

The settlement was unanimously approved by the Westchester County board of legislators late Monday.