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Man Fights Return to Prison after Clerical Error; Art Museum Becomes Hub for Healing; Woman Wins Back Child Support 50 Years Later; Police Chief Channels Pain into Poetry. Aired 8:30-9a ET
Aired March 29, 2019 - 08:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[08:30:00] MICHAEL DOLAN, ATTORNEY FOR DEMETRUS ANDERSON: Drop the ball.
JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: It wasn't him. It wasn't Demetrus.
DOLAN: It was not him.
BERMAN: They blew it. Someone -- either the state of the federal government blew it.
And, Demetrus, this is an important point I want to get to before I bring Van in. How have you lived your life in the years since you have been released from prison?
DEMETRIUS ANDERSON, COULD BE SENT BACK TO PRISON OVER CLERICAL ERROR: Like an American, law abiding citizen, doing everything right, working, gainfully employed, involved in my community, involved in my church -- found a church home. Just doing everything that I was supposed to do.
BERMAN: Now, Van Jones, I want to bring you into this conversation because I think you all saw this story, like so many of us did, in the New Haven papers and in the Yale papers.
You look at this and you think this runs counter to the idea of the justice, in quotation marks, system that we have in place.
VAN JONES, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Well, I mean, absolutely. The whole point of the corrections system is to correct people. How can you say at this point 13 years later this man needs correction when he's done everything right? As best we can tell, he hasn't -- he doesn't even have an overdue library book. He's living better than me. He's living better than you. He's doing all the things you want someone to do. And if you're going to say this person, after 13 years of doing nothing wrong, of rebuilding his life, has to go back and do -- and do time, you have literally millions of other people who are out here who are supposed to do the right thing. What's to say that in five years, 10 years, 20 years, somebody's going to go back through the sock drawer and find something to put them back in jail?
This doesn't make any sense. When somebody has actually rehabilitated themselves, that's the whole point. He's already done time for this crime and he should get credit for that. And he's -- he should get more credit for 13 years out of trouble.
You know the statistics. When people come home from prison, the vast majority, unfortunately, wind up back in trouble very quickly. He has not been back in trouble for 13 years. The only trouble he is in now is because of a bizarre clerical error that could destroy his life.
BERMAN: And, Van, you worked with Jared Kushner at the White House on criminal justice reform and prison reform. Do you intend to reach out personally to the White House to see if the president will get involved?
JONES: I have already done so. And we'll see what happens.
Here's the deal. I'm going to personally ask President Trump to do something. I'm going to ask everybody I know in the White House to do something. But I think everybody in America should get involved in this case. This is the kind of stuff that's so demoralizing and debilitating for people who are trying -- hey, listen, you -- let me talk about a role model. This is a guy that everybody coming out of prison hopes they will be. You don't grab your role model and throw your role models in jail. You should put your role models on your shoulders and parade them around.
And so I'm going to ask, but, you know, also, cut50.org is doing something. I'm a part of the reformalliance.com. We are getting involved. Please reach out, help us make this a big issue. It's very rare, obviously, for the president to get involved in something like this, but we think the judges involved should give him credit for time served. We think the president should get involved. We think everybody should get involved.
BERMAN: Demetrus, you have an April 4th court date.
ANDERSON: Correct.
BERMAN: And this is very soon. You could end up back in federal prison in a week. Are you scared?
ANDERSON: I'm very scared. I'm very scared.
BERMAN: What do you think is going to happen?
ANDERSON: I'm optimistic that justice will prevail. I still have faith in the judicial system. So I'm just praying and, you know, leaning on my faith that this could be, you know, vindicated.
BERMAN: Well, Demetrus Anderson, Mike Dolan, thank you very much for being with us.
Van, thank you for bringing this to our attention.
ANDERSON: Thank you, Van. Thank you so much.
BERMAN: And we will follow this over the next ten days. It is a very important story. Thank you. Be sure to watch Van's show tomorrow night. 2020 candidate Pete Buttigieg is Van's guest. How does he plan to break out of a crowded Democratic field? There's evidence he may have found a bit of a way already. That's 7:00 p.m. Eastern only on CNN.
CAMEROTA: All right, some school shooting survivors in Parkland, Florida, are finding help inside an unlikely place. We'll take you there, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[08:38:11] CAMEROTA: Parkland, Florida, of course, is still gripped by trauma and fear more than a year after the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. But one thing that's helped the healing is art.
And CNN's Dianne Gallagher joins us now with the story.
What are they doing, Dianne?
DIANNE GALLAGHER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, it's as simple as that, Alisyn. It's art mixed with therapy. One thing that almost every student and teacher who survived that massacre tells me is that therapy was available everywhere but they didn't feel like it was really accessible to them. And maybe it wasn't the right kind of therapy. But some of them found something in an art program and they say they've been doing well over the past year.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GALLAGHER (voice over): There's a saying, art is food for the soul.
ZOE BONNER, SENIOR, MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS: I believe it's a good way to get your mind off of what's happening.
GALLAGHER: But in Coral Springs, this art could be saving souls.
BONNER: Instead of just staying by yourself and letting your thoughts fester, you know?
GALLAGHER: Last year, days after the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the Coral Springs Museum of Art expanded its veterans art therapy program to anyone affected by the shooting. Art and trauma therapists work with survivors as they express their feelings about that trauma through music and art.
RAQUEL FARELL-KIRK, ART THERAPIST: It didn't go in there as language and words and so it's hard to unpack it using only language and words.
GALLAGHER: Zoe Bonner, a survivor who is now a senior at MSD has been coming to art therapy every Tuesday since November. But she's here this week for a special art play love program. It's running during spring break in response to the suicides of a former and current student.
BRONNER: It's sad because these things keep happening to the community and it's just -- it feels like a setback.
GALLAGHER (on camera): How does that help with emotions? How does it help with what you've been feeling and kind of processing that?
[08:40:03] BRONNER: I think it's good because it's just -- it's an escape. Escape. It's a way to just let go and just -- just art.
FARELL-KIRK: We are seeing people who are coming in saying, you know, even though this is, you know, 13 months out, this is my first time coming somewhere and saying, you know what, I need some help. I'm not doing OK and I need some help.
GALLAGHER (voice over): Raquel Farell-Kirk runs the program. This week, because for some the two suicides triggered old emotion, she brought in additional trauma therapists, like Joycy Ann Lacombe.
JOYCY ANN LACOMBE, TRAUMA THERAPIST: And we're letting people know that there is more help out there and efficient help.
GALLAGHER: She believes that while a lot of therapy has been available to survivors over the past year, it hasn't necessarily been the right kind of help.
LACOMBE: They need and have always needed trauma informed care. So, I mean, professionally, in our opinion, is -- as trauma therapists, we've realized that that's been the gap.
GALLAGHER: The greatest struggle is often getting young people just to come in. And that's why Farrell says the location, an art museum, is key.
FARRELL-KIRK: It's a nice advantage because we've removed some of the stigma. No one has to identify and say, I need help, I'm going to a therapist. There's no stigma in that, but we know people still stumble over that.
We want to make sure that that definition of MSD Strong includes people being strong enough to ask for help.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
GALLAGHER: And that part there is key, strong enough to ask for help.
John, Alisyn, one of the saddest things that I heard in Parkland this past week was most of the students there told me they were not surprised that some of their fellow survivors had killed themselves. They said that they knew so much attention had been placed in Parkland over the past year, but people didn't really know what they were going through emotionally. And that concerns them about other survivors of mass shootings who maybe haven't received that same amount of attention. And so their concern is making sure that people are reaching out to those who have survived traumatic events, making sure they're OK in getting the right kind of therapy for what they've been through.
CAMEROTA: It's such a good reminder, Dianne, and I'm so glad that you're doing all this reporting to keep all of these folks front of mind because they are still in pain and grieving.
BERMAN: And as you pointed out, you know, one year, it doesn't make things go away.
CAMEROTA: It doesn't. I mean, as we've seen in Sandy Hook, multiple years doesn't make things go away.
BERMAN: Thanks, Dianne.
Pope Francis settling the papal ring kissing controversy. The Vatican claims that hygiene was behind this viral moment. And you can see there that -- the pull away there each and every time. The pope pulling his hand away as people were trying to kiss his ring. The Vatican says he did not want to spread germs.
CAMEROTA: Maybe he should have told them that.
BERMAN: So he repeatedly pulled away his hand as people tried to kiss his ring. The Vatican insists the pope is happy to let people kiss the papal ring in small groups. This is controversial because some conservative Catholics have said that it was offensive for the pope not to let people kiss the ring.
CAMEROTA: Well, I mean, I just think of -- he made a -- might have just mentioned that to them so they didn't keep trying.
All right, meanwhile, Mary Poppins, move over.
BERMAN: Never.
CAMEROTA: This man was caught on video clinging to the base of an outdoor umbrella and he was lifted -- oh my -- come on. He was lifted up into the sky. And this happened this week in Turkey when a severe storm rolled through. The man was trying to keep the umbrella in place on the ground, but that did not work out. Luckily, we're happy to report, he is OK. But when the rouge umbrella came in for a landing, it actually knocked another man out and broke some of his ribs and foot.
All right, I didn't see that ending.
BERMAN: I don't like the ending there --
CAMEROTA: Me either.
BERMAN: But the beginning of it's actually kind of cool.
CAMEROTA: IT's awesome. Yes. I agree -- wow.
OK, a single mother was been awarded more than $150,000 in overdue child support decades after her husband took off. Mom and daughter share this incredible story, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[08:48:05] CAMEROTA: A California woman is getting $150,000 in back child support 50 years after her husband left.
Joining us now is Toni Anderson and her daughter, who she raised as a single mother, Lane Lenhart.
Ladies, it is so great to see you. This is a remarkable story that has gotten so many people's attention.
TONI ANDERSON, AWARDED CHILD SUPPORT 50 YEARS AFTER DIVORCE: Yes, I know.
CAMEROTA: Toni, how did this happen that you're getting all of the child support that has been due to you for the past 50 years?
T. ANDERSON: well, it's very exciting, needless to say, but I'm just blown away by all the press we've gotten on this. And, you know, it's a very timely issue. And I'm glad I could be part of that.
CAMEROTA: It is. Well, me, too.
T. ANDERSON: Yes.
CAMEROTA: But how did you know that the statute of limitations never runs out for child support?
T. ANDERSON: Well, you know, I had heard that over the years and yet I never wanted to rock the boat. I really -- he had left -- he left us and went to Canada and started another family there. So I was like, you know -- and at the time, because we had no money, I could not afford an attorney to go. Several times over those years I went to attorneys and it was very expensive. So I never really pursued it. So I was working very, very hard. I'm an interior designer. And so is Lane. And it was a lot, a lot of work and hard work.
CAMEROTA: Yes.
T. ANDERSON: And so I just, as I say, I put it on the back burner and thought -- didn't think much about it over the years.
CAMEROTA: Understood. I mean life goes on. And you had to work very hard to support your daughter --
T. ANDERSON: Yes.
CAMEROTA: Because you weren't getting any additional support.
Lane, what was your childhood like with your mom having to work so hard as a single mom?
LANE LENHART, DAUGHTER OF WOMAN AWARDED CHILD SUPPORT 50 YEARS AFTER DIVORCE: It was a challenge. She was always working, trying to support us. So she wasn't around. So then I didn't have a father around and it was -- my mother was there but not often. So it was a challenge. I basically raised myself.
[08:50:00] CAMEROTA: Toni, when the judge announced that you were due $150,000, first of all, my first question is, was your ex-husband in the courtroom for that moment?
T. ANDERSON: Yes, he did. He came down from Oregon and was in the court, yes. And I wouldn't (INAUDIBLE).
CAMEROTA: And what was his response. First, what was his response when this happened?
T. ANDERSON: Well -- well, he -- we -- I -- we did talk about it there. You know, he said, I was shocked when I got the summons to come to court. He says, I -- you know, I had no idea. And -- so, anyway, as we were talking, but he was very, very forgiving. He was sad. He had a few tears in his eyes and he asked for my forgiveness. He said, this is why I'm here, to really ask you for my forgiveness. So, you know, I forgave him. And it was very emotional.
But he -- he was -- he was like a broken man there. But he knew he was wrong and all he could do was kept apologizing and apologizing. Well, what does that do when you -- apology is great, but it doesn't (INAUDIBLE) --
CAMEROTA: But $150,000 is better.
T. ANDERSON: But, anyway -- yes, yes, exactly.
CAMEROTA: And so -- so, Lane -- Lane, do you forgive him, your dad?
LENHART: Yes. I mean I think forgiveness is the only way to get through life, you know? Am I going to -- it's like drinking the poison and hoping somebody else dies if I'm going to stay angry for the rest of my life.
CAMEROTA: So --
LENHART: What's done is done. And it all turned out OK. And, really, $150,000, it doesn't make up for a childhood lost.
CAMEROTA: That's a great point.
LENHART: It's -- you can't put a price on that.
CAMEROTA: No, you can't put a price on all of those years. But -- your new windfall of $150,000, I hope that it makes up for some of that and that you will enjoy spending that.
Ladies, we're out of time, but it's great talking to you.
LENHART: Oh, thanks.
CAMEROTA: Best of luck going forward.
T. ANDERSON: Thank you, Alisyn.
CAMEROTA: Toni Anderson, Lane Lenhart, thanks so much for sharing your personal story.
LENHART: Thank you so much, Alisyn. T. ANDERSON: Thank you, Alisyn. Thank you.
CAMEROTA: John.
BERMAN: So our newest CNN Hero is the daughter of immigrants, now helping refugees cook up their own American dream. Meet CNN Hero Kerry Brodie.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KERRY BRODIE, CNN HERO: What we're teaching our students isn't just knife skills and it isn't just cooking. It's the idea that you are a human and you have value. And that's something that people have tried to strip away from others for such a long time.
What's the dream team cooking up?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Samba (ph) cake.
BRODIE: Samba cake. Awesome.
The experience of watching our students transform, of seeing our students really come into their own inspires me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BERMAN: A, that's awesome. B, I'm hungry.
Learn more about Kerry's program and restaurant called Emma's Torch and nominate someone you think should be a CNN Hero at cnnheroes.com.
CAMEROTA: All right, next, how a police chief uses poetry to go beyond the call of duty.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If you could see what I have seen, the stories are all true. But the scars are not always visible, not even to you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[08:56:56] BERMAN: The police chief at Fitchburg State University decided to channel the pain and frustrations of his job into poetry to explain why he goes beyond the call of duty.
CNN's Erica Hill explains.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHIEF MICHAEL CLOUTIER, FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE: These are the experiences that resonate with me in a very positive way to kind of balance things out.
If you could see what I have seen, you'd have a ringside seat to life. It's not always full of sugar and roses. Often there is strife.
ERICA HILL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): With more than 20 years in law enforcement, Chief Michael Cloutier doesn't shy away from tough moments.
CLOUTIER: You are trying to be reassuring for them, to not make that moment any more challenging for them than it needs to be.
HILL: Yet nearly three years ago, increasingly frustrated by the growing divide between the public and his brothers and sisters in blue, he started writing.
CLOUTIER: If you could see what I have seen, maybe you'd understand, it takes a special kind of person who opts to make a stand.
I had never written a poem before. I haven't written one since.
HILL: The result, "If You Could See," a testament to an offer's daily challenges and their dedication.
HILL (on camera): What do you think the biggest misconception is?
CLOUTIER: What we do, what we see day in and day out, and maybe the motivation behind what we do.
HILL: What is the motivation for you?
CLOUTIER: I've always wanted to be the person to help others.
If you could see what I have seen, you'd opt to go in because you know that someone is trapped from within.
HILL (voice over): Chief Cloutier never intended to share his poem. But at the urging of a colleague, he submitted it to the website PoliceOne in February, where it quickly went viral.
CLOUTIER: I think the -- some of the content had the ability to resonate with not only those that work in the profession, but their families.
If you could see what I have seen, the stories are all true, but the scars are not always visible, not even to you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good afternoon, class.
CROWD: Sir, good afternoon, sir.
HILL: His message now being shared with the nearly 200 future officers who are part of Fitchburg state University's police program in Massachusetts.
CLOUTIER: We need, as police officers, as educators, as instructors, as mentors, as community members, we need to do a better job sharing with our community so that they can understand what it is that we see.
HILL: And help the public process, too. CLOUTIER: I think there's a lot more common ground that people have
these days than perhaps what people recognize.
If you could see what I have seen, you'd understand what I do. It's not in vain. The reason is simple. I do it all for you.
HILL: Erica Hill, CNN, Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BERMAN: Good for him. That is wonderful.
CAMEROTA: He may want to keep writing. He -- I'm surprised to hear that that's the last time that he wrote a poem.
BERMAN: You know, it's interesting, sometimes with poetry there's a path -- there's an emotion and a sensibility that doesn't come out in speech or in regular language. So wonderful to hear.
CAMEROTA: That was beautiful.
All right, everybody, have a wonderful weekend. NEWSROOM with Jim Sciutto is next.
[09:00:04] JIM SCIUTTO CNN ANCHOR: A good Friday morning to you. I'm Jim Sciutto in New York.
Listen to this news. It's important. Stunning new details uncovered.
END
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