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Freed Wilson Set on College

Determined to "succeed in life" after two years behind bars for teen sex conviction

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 27, 2007 6:54 AM CDT
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(Newser) – "I've got a new life," Genarlow Wilson said yesterday as he left prison after two years behind bars for a teen sex conviction. "You will not be disappointed," he vowed to his supporters. "I plan on succeeding in life." Wilson was released after the Georgia Supreme Court ruled yesterday that his 10-year sentence for consensual oral sex at age 17 with a 15-year-old girl was "cruel and unusual," CNN reports.

Standing with his mother and sister, Wilson said he looked forward to spending time with his family and planned to study sociology at college.  One supporter, the Rev. Al Sharpton, called Wilson's release a "significant victory."

Juannessa Bennett, left, mother of Genararlow Wilson, right, embracing his sister Jaiya Bennett, center, minutes after Genarlow was released from the Burruss Correctional Center in Fosyth Geaoria, Friday October 26. 2007. ( AP Photo/ W.A. Harewood )
Juannessa Bennett, left, mother of Genararlow Wilson, right, embracing his sister Jaiya Bennett, center, minutes after Genarlow was released from the Burruss Correctional Center in Fosyth Geaoria, Friday...   (Associated Press)
The Rev. Al Sharpton, second from left, arrives with the Rev. Raphael Warnock, left, the Rev. Joesph Lowery, second right, and SCLC president Charles Steele for a rally Thursday, July 5, 2007, at the Douglas County Courthouse in Douglasville, Ga., to support Genarlow Wilson, who remains in prison for having...
The Rev. Al Sharpton, second from left, arrives with the Rev. Raphael Warnock, left, the Rev. Joesph Lowery, second right, and SCLC president Charles Steele for a rally Thursday, July 5, 2007, at the...   (Associated Press)
Genarlow Wilson, right, embraces his mother Juanness Bennett minutes after he was released from the Burruss Correctional Center in Forsyth Ga., Friday Oct. 26, 2007. ( AP Photo/ W.A. Harewood )
Genarlow Wilson, right, embraces his mother Juanness Bennett minutes after he was released from the Burruss Correctional Center in Forsyth Ga., Friday Oct. 26, 2007. ( AP Photo/ W.A. Harewood )   (Associated Press)
Juannessa Bennett, left, mother of Genarlow Wilson, right, addresses members of the media following his release from the Burruss Correctional Center in Fosyth, Ga., Friday, Oct. 26. 2007. ( AP Photo/ W.A. Harewood )
Juannessa Bennett, left, mother of Genarlow Wilson, right, addresses members of the media following his release from the Burruss Correctional Center in Fosyth, Ga., Friday, Oct. 26. 2007. ( AP Photo/...   (Associated Press)
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COMMENTS
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Genarlow Wilson is free but others are not
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

After teen sex ruling, he's a free man
Los Angeles Times

US court frees man who faced 10 years for oral sex with girl
Times (UK)

US

 
Atlanta • Al Sharpton • Georgia • Genarlow Wilson • racism • teenager

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