MANNING, S.C. (WIS) - For the first time in 15 years, a South Carolina man, who was previously convicted, is celebrating his birthday with family.

Last week, charges against Michael Pearson—tied to a 2010 Clarendon County assault and robbery—were dismissed.

When Pearson looks at his old mugshot, he says he sees a painful past.

“I see a man in prison. a man who was telling the truth and did 15 years for it,” he said.

Despite finally being free, he said his life will never be the same.

“I was kidnapped by the penitentiary. You get used to prison life. You wake up, eat, (and) shower fast. It’s a whole different life,” he said.

Pearson was sentenced in 2012 to 60 years for an assault and robbery in Clarendon County. Investigators linked him to the crime through a thumbprint on the victim

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