When he ``took the Fifth,'' Cowlings was giving sworn testimony in a civil lawsuit, not a criminal case. Lawyers for the Brown and Goldman families were not compelling him to give self-incriminating evidence.

Was Al Cowlings ever charged?

Upon arrival, Cowlings was arrested and charged with aiding a fugitive but was released 12 hours later. The charges against him were later dropped.

Was AC Cowlings prosecuted?

So yes, technically Cowlings' role in Simpson's escape was illegal and did wind up getting him charged with a crime. But, he was never prosecuted and walked away without legal jeopardy. He remains as a central figure in one of the most shocking celebrity escapes of all time.