He was called the "odd man out" during the O.J. Simpson armed robbery trial. And now, he's talking for the first time since the verdict. Although Charles Cashmore accepted a plea deal in the case, News 3's Jesse Corona reports that one night with O.J. Simpson ruined his life.
Charles Cashmore says he walked into that Palace Station hotel room last year because his friend C.J. Stewart asked him to come along. He says he's never met any of the other guys before that night and had no idea what he was getting into.
Cashmore admits he made a couple of bad decisions - decisions that changed his life forever.
Charles Cashmore testified during the O.J. Simpson trial that he was the guy that knew the least of anybody involved. But today, Cashmore is now homeless and living on the streets of Las Vegas.
"I've stayed in weeklies that were anything from $100 to $200 a week, to casino parking lots in the back seat of a car," says Cashmore.
During the trial, defense attorneys suggested Cashmore benefited from his association with O.J. Simpson - something Cashmore says couldn't be further from the truth.
"I wish I would have never met O.J. because that 90 minutes of my life, that 90 minutes in that day in my life ruined the rest of my life."
Cashmore explains that he's been shunned by family and friends, and that no one will hire him for work. He says he often wonders where his next meal will come from.
Still, Cashmore says he's not ready to follow the route of people like Thomas Riccio, who's made over $200,000 and counting since the events of September 13.
When asked if he ever though of trying to make money off of the Simpson trial, Cashmore says, "The thought has crossed my mind, but you know what? I'd rather just get my name and my life back."
Cashmore explains that he is angry he didn't know the plan before walking into the Palace Station. He says most everyone in the hotel room knew each other and he honestly thought the whole thing would blow over.
He now admits he should have done things differently.
"I guess not going to the police is the thing that I regret the most."
Cashmore says he has learned some valuable lessons over this last year and that his time on the streets has taught him some important things about other people.
"If I've ever judged anyone, I apologize because I'll tell you what - you never know why that person is where he's at until you take the time to find out."
Charles Cashmore's charges were reduced to one count of accessory to robbery after the fact. His sentencing is scheduled for December 9. Cashmore faces one to six years in prison, with the possibility of probation.
story by http://www.kvbc.com
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