A California Indian man falsely accused of sexual abuse of two young boys was finally released from state custody after serving 13 years in prison and 5 more years in a hospital for the criminally insane.

James Rodriguez always maintained he was innocent. But only recently did one of his accusers admit the abuse claims were fabricated.

Rodriguez was to be released from prison after 13 years. But the state classified him as a sexual predator and kept him in the hospital for two-year increments at a time. He said he had to admit to the crime and receive "treatment" so that he could be released.

Rodriguez was due for recommitted when one of the accusers recanted the story. He was finally released on Monday. He said he was given an offer to work for his tribe, located in San Diego County.

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Convicted sex offender released after trying to lie his way out (AP 4/22)