Cherokee, Iowa — A Cherokee man who was convicted in a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred two years ago has received an early release from prison.
According to the Iowa Department of Corrections, 31-year-old Casey Herwig was released after serving 105 days in prison. 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. He 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.
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.
