Out of prison, a mother speaks

CALHOUN COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – For the first time in years, a West Michigan woman will get to sleep at home Wednesday night.

Newschannel 3 was there Wednesday when Lorinda Swain walked out of the Calhoun County Jail, and later sat down with Swain and her family for a one-on-one interview.

Swain walked out of the jail Wednesday into the arms of family and friends, boiling over with emotion from what has no doubt been a roller-coaster ride for everyone involved.

In 2002, Swain was found guilty of molesting her adopted son, but since then that son has admitted he made the whole story up. Now, a judge has ruled that Swain should get a new trial, and until that trial, she'll be free on bond.

When Newschannel 3 spoke to Swain she was still wearing the state-issued pants, and the dollar-a-day electronic tether that will keep her in Calhoun County, but Swain got to return to her parents home in Burlington Wednesday, surrounded by banners and balloons.

"It just feels so good to be back here," said Swain. "I won't even so much as jaywalk, I have no intention of doing anything I'm not supposed to do."

Swain is out on bond, awaiting a new trial on charges of criminal sexual conduct. The victim in the case, her adopted son Ronnie, has admitted he lied about the abuse during her first trial. Jurors found Swain guilty and she's been in prison in Ypsilanti for almost seven years.

Her parents visited her there weekly, but on Wednesday they celebrated having her home.

Swain told Newschannel 3 that she'll never blame her boys for her journey to prison or for all the time she's missed.

"Even though you may not believe it, they have still brought me far more joy than they could ever bring me sorrow, and that is a fact, and I love them and I forgive them, they were victims," said Swain.

Swain says she wants to enjoy some of the simple freedoms, cooking, being able to take a bath instead of a shower, swimming, and exercising. She said she's already gotten to eat some licorice.

Swain is not sure when she is due back in court.