Convicted : a crooked cop, an innocent man, and an unlikely journey of forgiveness and friendship

"A true story of racial reconciliation and radical forgiveness. With all the disturbing news about race relations in America, here's a true story of reconciliation and the redemptive power of the gospel. How can you possibly forgive the man who falsely arrested you for a crime you did not commit? After years in prison, during a chance encounter with the crooked police officer, a young African American man named Jameel McGee faced such a dilemma: Would he violently take revenge or peacefully walk away? Mulling the agonizing choice, Jameel heard the now familiar whisper in his soul--let it go. He listened and chose forgiveness, setting in motion a transforming miracle. In the days and months that followed, the men first achieved reconciliation, then through the power of Christ-like love, became friends. This stunning true story provides a path forward for all who desire the healing, hope, and respect for others that have eluded our nation far too long."--Jacket. Jameel McGee: "For the next three years not a day went by that I didn't think about my son who I had never seen and the cop who had kept me from him. And for most of those three years I promised myself that if I ever saw this cop again, I was going to kill him. I intended to keep that promise." Andrew Collins: "I watched this angry man march through a crowd, a little boy and another man struggling to keep up with him ... The man walked straight up to me, stopped, and stuck out his hand. I took it. "Remember me'" he asked in a tone that sounded more like a threat than a question. Somehow, a name came to me. 'Jameel McGee, ' I replied." It reads like a gripping crime novelexcept this story really happened. Racial tensions had long simmered in Benton Harbor, a small city on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, before the day a white narcotics officer'more focused on arrests than justice'set his sights on an innocent black man. But when officer Andrew Collins framed Jameel McGee for possession of crack cocaine, the surprising result was not a race riot but a transformative journey for both men. Falsely convicted, McGee spent four years in federal prison. Collins also went to prison a few years later for falsifying police reports. While behind bars, the faith of both men deepened. But the story took its most unexpected turn once they were released'when their lives collided again in a moment brimming with mistrust and anger. The two were on a collision course'not to violence'but forgiveness. As current as today's headlines, this explosive, true story reveals how these radically conflicted men chose to let go of fear and a thirst for revenge to pursue reconciliation for themselves, their community, and our racially divided nation WINNER OF THE CHRISTOPHER BOOK AWARD • “A must-read for anyone who longs for the day when the dividing lines of race, class, and bigotry are finally overcome by the greater forces of love, forgiveness, and brotherhood.”—Rev. Samuel Rodriguez Racial tensions had long simmered in Benton Harbor, a small city on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, before the day a white narcotics officer—more focused on arrests than justice—set his sights on an innocent black man. But when officer Andrew Collins framed Jameel McGee for possession of crack cocaine, the surprising result was not a race riot but a transformative journey for both men. Falsely convicted, McGee spent three years in federal prison. Collins also went to prison a few years later for falsifying police reports. While behind bars, the faith of both men deepened. But the story took its most unexpected turn once they were released—when their lives collided again in a moment brimming with mistrust and anger. The two were on a collision course—not to violence—but forgiveness. As current as today’s headlines, this explosive true story reveals how these radically conflicted men chose to let go of fear and a thirst for revenge to pursue reconciliation for themselves, their community, and our racially divided nation. February 8, 2006 -- A good cop -- Mistaken identity -- Two plus two equals four -- Indicted -- Into the abyss -- Guilty until proven innocent -- Wake-up call -- Becoming what they told me I was -- Busted -- Let it go -- "So you're guilty, then?" -- Free at last -- Facing the consequences once and for all -- Trying to put the pieces back together -- Broadway Park -- Losing it all--again -- Reunion -- Beyond forgiveness -- A friendship emerges -- It is well. Speaking directly to recent headlines and cultural tensions, this is the poignant account of a crooked white cop who framed an innocent black man--and how their stories later intersected to show a divided nation a way forward to reconciliation and healing. This revealing story explores racism in small-city America and ultimately highlights the power of the gospel to heal the relationship of two of the most unlikely candidates for reconciliation.