Man rehired by Chicago White Sox after 23 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit

"The past is the past," Nevest Coleman said to reporters.

ByChristopher Donato
March 27, 2018, 5:41 PM

After spending 23 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Nevest Coleman returned to his job as a groundskeeper for the Chicago White Sox on Monday.

PHOTO: Nevest Coleman former White Sox grounds keeper was wrongly convicted and started his first day back with the Chicago White Sox, March 26, 2018 after 23 years in prison.
Nevest Coleman former White Sox grounds keeper was wrongly convicted and started his first day back with the Chicago White Sox, March 26, 2018 after 23 years in prison.

Coleman was sentenced to life in prison for a 1994 rape and murder he didn't commit. The charges were dropped, and he was released from prison in November 2017.

On Monday, Coleman arrived at Gate 4 of Guaranteed Rate Field with his bagged lunch and walked the field with his co-workers, Jerry Powe and Harry Smith. The last time the three walked the field together was in 1994 before Coleman was sent to prison. He was happy to pick up where he left off.

"The past is the past," Coleman said to reporters.

PHOTO: Nevest Coleman is dropped off for his first day of work at Guaranteed Rate Field, March 26, 2018 in Chicago, Ill.
Nevest Coleman is dropped off for his first day of work at Guaranteed Rate Field, March 26, 2018 in Chicago, Ill.

His co-worker Jerry Powe, is now his boss.

"He was a good, excellent worker. We're glad to have him back," Powe said.

"I almost cried when I saw him because I hadn't seen him in a long time. I didn't even know he was even out," Smith said.

Coleman power-washed the area around Gate 4 and is looking forward to Opening Day.

"April 5," Coleman said, "I'll be there."

PHOTO: With the sun shining, Nevest Coleman, center, enters Guaranteed Rate Field with friend and fellow grounds crew Harry Smith Jr., left, and friend and now supervisor Jerry Powe for Coleman's first day of work, March 26, 2018 in Chicago, Ill.
With the sun shining, Nevest Coleman, center, enters Guaranteed Rate Field with friend and fellow grounds crew Harry Smith Jr., left, and friend and now supervisor Jerry Powe for Coleman's first day of work, March 26, 2018 in Chicago, Ill.

“We’re grateful that after more than two decades, justice has been carried out for Nevest," the Chicago White Sox said in a statement to ABC News. "It has been a long time, but we’re thrilled that we have the opportunity to welcome him back to the White Sox family. We’re looking forward to having Nevest back on Opening Day at home in our ballpark.”