Friendship man, wrongfully convicted of arson, reaches settlement with insurance company
By Dee J. Hall, The Wisconsin State Journal | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
"You don't get that back, no matter what you do," said Awe, 44, who was released from
Awe, a disabled war veteran, was convicted of arson for allegedly burning down
The case against Awe relied heavily on court testimony and investigation by experts hired by
Experts testifying for the defense in Awe's appeal concluded the fire was an accident caused by a faulty electrical system.
Awe's attorney,
"What happened here was the opposite," Haag continued. "The insurance company that was supposed to be looking out for his (Awe's) interests ... instead from day one, they looked out for their own best interests in trying to avoid paying the claim."
Voice and email messages left this week with Mt. Morris' attorney,
The settlement came after Awe counter-sued Mt. Morris for "meddling with" the criminal case against him, including revising reports used by prosecution witnesses in his 2007 arson trial. The counterclaim filed in
"Mt. Morris's influence in, and meddling with, the criminal prosecution of
Awe's case was featured in a 2011 four-part
Awe's counterclaim was part of a 2008 lawsuit filed by Mt. Morris against Awe. The company refused to pay Awe and his wife for the loss of the bar, then sued Awe for repayment of the
Haag said the settlement should prompt insurance companies and the state of
Awe also credited the
"I highly doubt I would be in the position I am today if not for the (
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