A Cherokee man who was convicted in a fatal hit-and-run-accident that occurred two years ago has received an early release from jail.
According to the Iowa Department of Corrections, 31-year-old Casey Herwig was released on Monday of this week after serving 105 days in jail. He had been sentenced to serve up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to Knowingly Leaving The Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death.
According to investigators, Herwig struck bicyclist Phillip Watterson with his vehicle on December 26th of 2022, and then left the scene. Herwig requested that his sentence be reconsidered on September 30th of this year. Herwig wrote a letter apologizing to Watterson’s family for the pain he caused them, and promised to be a productive member of society if released.
Last Monday, December 2nd, Judge Charles Borth ordered Herwig to be released from jail. He was placed on probation for two years. In his order, Judge Borth said he believed it was appropriate to reconsider Herwig’s sentence.
